Crimean Fuel Shortage Deepens as TES Suspends Vouchers

TES Halts Voucher Distribution Across Crimea

TES, the largest gas station chain operating 115 stations in annexed Crimea, suspended its gasoline voucher purchasing service on Monday, according to a statement on the company's website.

Rationing Measures Introduced on May 22

Emergency rationing began on May 22 to curb panic buying. Public utilities and social service vehicles now receive priority at pumps. Ordinary motorists face a strict limit of 20 liters of AI-92 gasoline per vehicle, and filling jerry cans or canisters remains banned entirely.

Sevastopol and Crimea Officials Address Duration

Mikhail Razvozhayev, the Kremlin-installed governor of Sevastopol, stated on Telegram that daily quotas at gas stations in the port city sell out within hours. Both Razvozhayev and Crimean Governor Sergei Aksyonov indicated that resolving the shortage will require at least 30 days.

Link to Ukrainian Strikes on Refineries

The localized shortage occurs amid Ukrainian drone strikes targeting Russian oil infrastructure. These strikes have halted or scaled back production at facilities representing around one-quarter of Russia's total refining capacity and more than 30 percent of its gasoline output, according to Reuters.

Kremlin Coordination and Prior Assurances

The Kremlin stated on Monday that all levels of government are working to resolve the fuel shortage in Crimea. In late May the Kremlin assessed no risks of nationwide gasoline shortages, while Russia's Energy Ministry described the domestic market as stable and under control.

Export Restrictions Remain in Place

A total ban on gasoline exports across Russia stays in force through July 31.

Images: (Global 1 News)