Authorities in Crimea, which is under Russian occupation, announced a suspension of civilian gasoline sales on Sunday as Ukraine increased its attacks on fuel infrastructure in the region.
Sergey Aksyonov, the governor appointed by the Kremlin, reported that overnight strikes by Ukrainian forces resulted in the deaths of four individuals and injuries to 28 others. Specific details about the targets of these attacks were not disclosed.
In a statement on social media, Aksyonov indicated that gas stations would cease sales to non-government entities and individuals for an unspecified duration. He emphasized that fuel would only be available to government agencies responsible for maintaining the operations and security of Crimea.
“I ask everyone to remain calm and to only trust official sources of information,” Aksyonov added.
Recent weeks have seen a surge in Ukrainian military actions aimed at crippling fuel supplies to Crimea, leading to what many are calling the most severe energy crisis in the area since its annexation by Russia in 2014.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that strikes targeted an oil depot in Crimea and an oil transport facility in Russia's Krasnodar region. He characterized these operations as part of a broader strategy of “long-range sanctions” against Russia’s energy sector.
Reports from Krasnodar indicated that a drone strike had ignited a fire at a Black Sea oil terminal, with local officials confirming a fatality linked to attacks on a ferry.
While Crimea has previously experienced fuel shortages due to Ukrainian strikes, the current situation marks a significant escalation. In May, authorities had already limited gasoline sales to 20 liters per vehicle per week, a measure that led to long lines and immediate depletion of available fuel.
Social media platforms have been filled with inquiries about fuel availability, prompting officials to create a hotline for tourists stranded in the area. Some motorists have resorted to transporting fuel from Krasnodar via the Kerch bridge, although they face restrictions on the quantity they can carry.
Speculators have also emerged, selling gasoline at inflated prices amid the crisis.
The Kremlin has acknowledged the severity of the situation and has pledged to address the ongoing fuel shortages. Meanwhile, Ukraine's military successes have underscored its capability to inflict significant damage on Russian operations, contrasting with the stagnation of Moscow's recent military advances.
Reported by HarborBeat based on WMAR-2 News (source).
0 Comments
Log in to join the conversation.