Gas stations in Crimea have stopped selling gasoline using pre-purchased vouchers and fuel cards
27 July 05:10
Residents of the annexed Crimea and Sevastopol were denied the ability to refuel using vouchers and fuel cards purchased from the local “TES” and “ATAN” gas station chains, according to "Komersant Ukrainian", citing Russian propaganda media.
The first company explained that such citizens and organizations are temporarily not being served due to an order from the “authorities,” with the sole exception being social and emergency services.
“Restrictions were imposed by the head of the Republic of Crimea, prohibiting the sale of gasoline using vouchers to both legal entities and individuals,” TES clarified. For its part, ATAN cited a shortage of gasoline.
At the same time, TES customers in Crimea cannot receive a refund for unused vouchers. The company stated that, in accordance with the Law “On the Protection of Consumer Rights,” goods can be returned within 14 days of purchase.
In Sevastopol, TES voucher holders do not face such problems; however, they must fill out a feedback form, providing their contact information, the volume of gasoline, and attaching a receipt. The company also assured customers that their vouchers have no expiration date, so they can be used once restrictions are lifted. Holders of “ATAN” network cards and vouchers are encouraged to return or exchange them for new ones after their expiration date.
Restrictions on fuel sales in Crimea began to be imposed in late May due to Ukrainian strikes on supply routes and Russian oil facilities. Limits are in effect on the peninsula—mostly 20 liters per tank. In Sevastopol, gasoline can be purchased primarily through a QR code system; in Crimea, unrestricted sales are available only at select gas stations.
Due to the acute shortage on the peninsula, fuel prices have skyrocketed. According to Rosstat data as of July 20, a liter of AI-95 cost nearly 236 and 221 rubles in Crimea and Sevastopol, respectively, while diesel cost 220 and 214 rubles. On the black market, gasoline is sold at even higher prices, reaching 400 rubles per liter.
On July 9, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin instructed the government to prepare measures to subsidize fuel supplies to Crimea. Aksyonov proposed compensating carriers approximately 85 rubles per liter. Putin also announced a system for supplying Crimea with fuel that Ukraine “will find very difficult to access.” He did not specify when or how this would be implemented.
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