Crimea: Fuel sales at gas stations across Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014, have been suspended for the general public, Russian-installed Governor Sergey Aksyonov announced. In a statement on Telegram, Aksyonov indicated that fuel will be available only to government agencies responsible for maintaining the peninsula's operations and security. He urged residents to remain calm and rely solely on official sources of information, promising that future decisions regarding the fuel market would be communicated in due course.
According to Anadolu Agency, the restrictions come in the wake of recent Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian oil refineries, which have led to the shutdown of numerous facilities for maintenance. This has prompted the Russian government to periodically impose export restrictions to stabilize the domestic fuel market. Between June 12 and June 18, Ukraine carried out a series of strikes on energy and fuel infrastructure across Russia, targeting facilities in the Black Sea region, southern Russia, and the Moscow area, as confirmed by both Russian officials and Ukrainian statements.
On Thursday, Moscow was subjected to one of the largest attacks by Ukrainian-made drones since the onset of the war. Mayor Sergey Sobyanin reported that an oil refinery was struck, and approximately 200 drones were intercepted as they approached the Russian capital. In response to these attacks, fuel sales were also restricted for individual customers in Russia's Tver region. The Tver Region Ministry of Industry and Trade announced that the temporary restrictions apply to individuals at Surgutneftegaz and Tatneft gas stations, while corporate clients can continue refueling without limitations. The ministry assured that regional authorities are actively monitoring the fuel market situation.
Earlier this month, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed that Ukrainian forces had struck 15 Russian oil refineries between January and May, resulting in nearly 40% of Russia's primary oil refining capacity being offline as of May.