Videos circulating online show long lines at gas stations across Russian-occupied Sevastopol, Crimea, on 26-27 September, Krym.Realii reports.

Ukraine’s systematic targeting of Russian oil refineries has created cascading fuel shortages across Russia and occupied territories, demonstrating how Kyiv’s deep-strike campaign reaches from Russian industrial heartlands to Crimean consumers.

Ukraine’s oil war hits occupied Crimea

The reported fuel shortages in Sevastopol follow a summer of intensified Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian energy infrastructure. According to Russian media, 50% of gas stations in Crimea and Sevastopol have stopped selling gasoline entirely.

A Crimean activist who spoke anonymously to Krym.Realii said the fuel situation has worsened steadily over the past two weeks, directly linking the shortages to Ukraine’s new military tactics targeting Russian refineries.

Strategic oil campaign shows results

Since August 2025, Ukraine has struck 16 of Russia’s 38 oil refineries, disrupting over 1 million barrels per day of processing capacity and pushing diesel exports toward 2020 lows. The campaign has spread fuel shortages from Russia’s Far East regions to central and southern territories.

Ukraine estimates it has disabled 17% of Russia’s oil refining capacity through recent operations.

Occupied territories feel the pressure

The fuel crisis demonstrates how Ukraine’s long-range capabilities can project pressure deep into Russian-controlled areas. Crimea, illegally annexed by Russia in 2014, now experiences the same supply disruptions affecting Russian regions.

Wholesale gasoline prices in Russia have jumped 38% for AI-92 grade and nearly 49% for AI-95 since early 2025, according to The Moscow Times. Russia imposed fuel rationing on civilians in remote regions and banned gasoline exports to manage domestic shortages.

The situation in Sevastopol reflects broader vulnerabilities in Russia’s energy distribution system, showing how tactical Ukrainian strikes create strategic effects across occupied territories and the Russian mainland.