A sweeping fuel shortage is forcing Crimeans to look for workarounds. Residents are “helping” each other by selling spots in line at filling stations for 1,000 rubles.
In Russian-occupied Crimea, people have begun selling places in line at gas stations amid a severe fuel deficit, the OSINT channel “Crimean Wind” reported.
“In search of fuel, residents of the peninsula are racing along the roads, filling up anywhere and everywhere just to avoid stalling on the shoulder,” the observers said.
In Pervomaysky District, people are waiting for hours to buy AI-95 (95-octane) gasoline at 95 rubles per liter (about 48 hryvnias). Online, people have started selling not only fuel coupons but also a spot in line at a gas station for 1,000 rubles ($15 USD).
The ChP “Crimea” channel says the Russian fuel trader behind the TES network promised to cut prices for AI-95 and AI-92 by 4 rubles overnight on October 2–3 but kept a 30-liter purchase limit.
At the same time, the head of the Russian-installed administration in Crimea, Sergei Aksyonov, limited sales at gas station chains to 20 liters per person. Russia wants to ban exports of gasoline and diesel through the end of 2025.
Russian-appointed “authorities” in Sevastopol reported that the fuel shortage has been overcome and gasoline supplies stabilized, with shipments expected from Russian refineries.
Separately, gas stations are shutting down in temporarily occupied areas of Ukraine. The fewest closures have been recorded in parts of Zaporizhzhia region.
