The beginning of the summer season traditionally attracts thousands of car tourists to Crimea. However, in recent weeks, many drivers have had a new reason to worry: will there be enough gasoline on the peninsula and will they have to stand in hours-long lines at gas stations?
Judging by reports from authorities and local media, there are indeed problems with fuel in Crimea. A number of gas stations have recorded interruptions in the availability of AI-95 gasoline and diesel fuel, and some chains have temporarily introduced restrictions on fuel sales.
In some cases, gasoline sales were limited to 20 liters per vehicle. In some places, fuel is sold with coupons, but they are not issued to individuals. Coupons can be purchased on a sort of black market. There are gasoline delivery services, but then the price of gasoline reaches 100-150 rubles per liter of AI-92 gasoline. A twenty-liter can of gasoline sells for 5-6 thousand rubles.
The most tense situation was observed at the end of May. Regional authorities attributed the situation to logistical difficulties and assured that they were working to restore a stable fuel supply. At the same time, it is officially emphasized that the problem is temporary and is under control.
What does this mean for tourists?
There is no complete lack of gasoline on the entire peninsula, however, travelers should be prepared for localized outages, restrictions at individual gas stations and queues in popular resort areas. This is especially true for those who are used to filling up “as needed,” without monitoring the remaining fuel in the tank.
Should I cancel my trip?
At the moment, there are no grounds for mass cancellation of car trips to Crimea. The roads are open, the tourist season has started, and hotels are welcoming guests. However, a trip requires more preparation than a year ago. Drivers should plan their route in advance, take into account possible delays at gas stations, and monitor the latest information on fuel availability in the region. Gasoline can be brought onto the peninsula. Up to 100 liters of any liquid, including fuel, can be carried across the Crimean Bridge.
The main conclusion today is this: you can go to Crimea by car, but you shouldn’t count on a completely carefree trip. The issue with gasoline remains one of the key factors that can affect the comfort of the trip this summer.
