Moscow – Authorities on the Crimean Peninsula – illegally annexed by Russia in 2014 – have introduced restrictions on petrol sales following Ukrainian drone attacks on oil facilities.
AI-95 petrol, a premium unleaded type equivalent to 95-octane fuel sold in the European Union, will be prioritized for public and social transport, Crimea’s Moscow-appointed governor Sergei Aksyonov posted on Telegram on Saturday.
Ordinary citizens can only fill up using a ration card, in which case there is no limit on the quantity. For regular AI-92 fuel, however, a cap of 20 litres applies.
“Filling up jerry cans is prohibited,” Aksyonov added in an apparent move to prevent hoarding.
According to the governor, the restrictions will initially apply for a period of 30 days.
Meanwhile, numerous videos are circulating online showing long queues outside petrol stations in Crimea.
Crimea has served as a supply base for Russian troops attacking southern Ukraine since President Vladimir Putin ordered a full-scale invasion of the neighbouring country in February 2022.
As a result, the peninsula on the Black Sea has been increasingly subjected to Ukrainian drone and missile strikes, with an emphasis on knocking out its oil facilities.
The refinery in the city of Feodosia, for example, has been burning for two days after a drone strike as Kiev tries to deny fuel to the occupying forces.