Ukrainian Strikes on Russian Refineries Spark Fuel Crisis; Crimea Halts Tourism and Summer Camps

MOSCOW — Crimea, a popular destination for Russian tourists, is currently facing a severe fuel crisis due to Ukrainian strikes on maritime and ground supply routes. As a result, all tourism activities and children's summer camps have been suspended through September.

Since Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the subsequent full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the region has remained a focal point of the ongoing conflict. Although Russia ranks as the world's third-largest oil producer, targeted Ukrainian drone attacks on refineries—including those near Moscow—have disrupted domestic supplies of gasoline and diesel.

Effective from the 21st, fuel sales to individuals and businesses have been halted across Crimean gas stations. Sergei Aksyonov, the Russian-installed head of Crimea, announced the suspension of tourism and children's camps, citing public safety concerns.

Residents, such as one named Alexei in Sevastopol, have reported shifting to public transport or walking due to fuel shortages. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that the government and energy companies are working to resolve the disruptions caused by these strikes.

Recent data indicates a decline in fuel production and exports. Industry sources noted that Russian gasoline output dropped by approximately 25% last week to about 90,000 tons per day compared to June 2025 averages. Furthermore, sea-borne oil product exports for the first half of June fell by 15% to 3.3 million tons, as refineries undergo unscheduled maintenance following drone strikes.

Supply disruptions or shortages have been reported across multiple regions, including Lipetsk, Rostov, Tatarstan, Voronezh, Khabarovsk, and Irkutsk. In Moscow, while officials claim supply remains normal, federal authorities are investigating price hikes at major retailers. Despite these challenges, strict restrictions on public protest in Russia have prevented widespread public outcry.