The Crimean authorities, annexed by Russia, have announced a suspension of oil sales to the general public following Ukraine's sustained attacks on oil facilities in recent times.
Foreign news agencies reported on 21 Jun 2026 GMT+7 that local authorities in Crimea, supported by Russia, have halted oil sales to the general population after Ukraine continued targeting infrastructure and oil facilities on the peninsula.
Previously, Crimean residents were already limited in oil purchases due to shortages caused by Ukrainian operations targeting supply routes between mainland Russia and Crimea.
Sergei Aksyonov, Governor of Crimea, stated that citizens and businesses will no longer be able to buy oil from gas stations; instead, oil will be allocated solely to government agencies responsible for "operating mechanisms and security" in Crimea.
Earlier, Aksyonov revealed that Ukrainian drones attacked an oil depot in the city of Kerch the previous night, resulting in 4 deaths and 28 injuries, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called the operation a “justified retaliation” against Russia’s brutal attacks.
Russia illegally annexed Crimea, formerly under Ukrainian control, in 2014. Since the war between Russia and Ukraine began in February 2022, Crimea has faced transport difficulties and product shortages due to Ukrainian attacks.
However, the suspension of oil sales to the general public represents the most severe energy restriction Crimea has ever experienced.
Regarding the latest oil depot attack, Zelensky said the Ukrainian military targeted a logistics base for oil transport in Russia’s Krasnodar region, adjacent to Crimea across the Kerch Strait. They also struck military transport bases and radar systems, though exact locations were not specified.
Analysts believe Ukraine’s current aim is to cut supply lines supporting the Russian military by attacking oil export infrastructure. Additionally, Ukraine seeks to undermine Russia’s military capabilities and create internal unrest among Russians, hoping this pressure will compel Vladimir Putin to negotiate.
So far, there is no indication that Putin will engage in talks, as he has rejected Zelensky’s call for face-to-face negotiations earlier in June.
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Source:bbc