Russian authorities in Sevastopol are developing a special support mechanism for tourists stranded in Russian-occupied Crimea who arrived by car and are now unable to leave the peninsula due to a severe fuel shortage. The announcement came from Moscow-installed Sevastopol “governor” Mikhail Razvozhayev during a live broadcast on local television.

The issue gained attention after Alexander Bubnov, a tourist from Tula, publicly appealed for help. Bubnov explained that he had traveled to Crimea on vacation with his family but now cannot return home because there is no gasoline available.

“We’re stranded. We have no fuel, and we have a small child with us. What are we supposed to do? Could the emergency services help in situations like this? I can provide all the proof you need, I’m not trying to fool anyone – I just want to leave,” Bubnov said during the broadcast.

Razvozhayev admitted his administration has received many similar requests. He said local officials are considering a system to verify tourist status and provide targeted support to those in genuine need of fuel to exit the peninsula.

“We’ll try to create a way to identify and assist those who really came to the Hero City to visit relatives or friends in their own vehicles, and now, at the end of their holidays, cannot leave,” Razvozhayev said.

He added that a separate system of assistance is being prepared for people with disabilities and serious illnesses who need a car for medical reasons.

The fuel crisis in Crimea has dragged on for several weeks. According to Razvozhayev, the disruptions are due to logistical issues following attacks in Crimea and Sevastopol. Restrictions on fuel sales in Sevastopol were put in place as early as May 22. Initially, a limit of 20 liters per car or canister was imposed at TES chain gas stations, before gasoline sales (AI-92 and AI-95) switched to a coupon-based system and filling canisters was completely banned.

Starting June 4, additional limitations were introduced across other regions of Crimea. Russian-installed authorities restricted cash gasoline purchases and deployed officials to monitor fuel distribution with coupons at gas stations.

As the shortage worsened, long lines have formed at the pumps. Incoming fuel shipments are quickly snapped up, sometimes within just a few hours, according to local authorities. Despite the scarcity, Russian-backed authorities in Crimea and Sevastopol insist that emergency services, utilities, law enforcement, ambulances, and public transit continue to receive full fuel supplies.

After the initial fuel restrictions in Crimea and Sevastopol, a booming black market emerged. At first, officials capped gasoline sales at 20 liters per customer for AI-92 and AI-95 grades. The largest gas station chains, TES and ATAN, moved to a coupon system, but soon after, even the distribution of new coupons was suspended.

With demand soaring, groups began appearing in messaging apps and closed chats where users coordinated the search for fuel and coupons. Resellers started offering gasoline at 250 rubles per liter and higher-over three times the standard price of about 75-82 rubles just days earlier. By June 5, The Insider confirmed that while reseller ads had mostly disappeared, reports of scammers-who take advance payments and vanish-were on the rise.

(c)UAWIRE 2026