Sunday, May 31, 2026 11:00:25 AM

Authorities in Crimea and Sevastopol have introduced gasoline rationing, marking one of the largest fuel restrictions Russia has imposed since the Soviet era.

Due to a severe fuel crisis, coupons are now required to purchase gasoline in Crimea and Sevastopol. The scale of these measures is considered unprecedented-the last time anything similar happened was in 1990, when the USSR implemented mandatory restrictions limiting vehicles to 20 to 40 liters per month per car through a rationing system.

Now, officials in both Russian-occupied regions are limiting fuel sales after widespread shortages at gas stations. In Crimea, AI-95 gasoline will only be sold with coupons, while sales of AI-92 are limited to 20 liters per person. In Sevastopol, rationing cards are now required for both gasoline types.

Sergei Aksyonov, head of the Russian-installed administration in Crimea, said he expects the situation to stabilize within 30 days-a timeframe observers call unrealistic and out of touch. Sevastopol governor Mikhail Razvozhayev described rationing as a temporary measure, but acknowledged authorities are struggling to replenish fuel supplies at gas stations.

To obtain coupons, drivers are being told to apply at ATAN and TES gas station networks with a Russian passport and vehicle registration documents. Motorists are also advised to check whether coupons are even available before applying.

The crisis in Crimea erupted after Ukrainian strikes targeted supply routes and restricted movement along the so-called “land bridge” to the peninsula, exposing vulnerabilities in Russia’s logistics. Attacks on roads, oil refineries, and depots have quickly resulted in empty pumps and fuel rationing for civilians.

Fuel shortages have also been reported outside the occupied regions. Currently, eight out of Russia’s ten largest gasoline producers have either scaled back production or halted operations entirely.

(c)UAWIRE 2026