Chairman of the Mejlis Refat Chubarov comments on fuel problems in Crimea

Tensions are rising in the temporarily occupied Crimea due to the deteriorating economic situation in Russia, causing signs of discontent even among the Kremlin's staunchest supporters. There is "hysteria" over rising prices, increased utility bills, and the sale of gasoline with coupons.

Refat Chubarov, the head of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people, said this on Espresso.

The head of the Mejlis said that the economic crisis affects even the most loyal to the Russian authorities. He noted that "ardent supporters of Putin, the Russian Federation" have already had "certain shifts in their minds".

"The hysteria that is unfolding in Crimea around the assessment of the economic situation is indicative." Refat Chubarov gave examples of the deterioration of the situation: "gasoline is already sold with coupons, utilities have risen sharply, prices are rising."

Chubarov added that although he is "not a great optimist about the level of consciousness of Russian society," he believes: "...when life becomes completely unbearable, perhaps, and even probably, people will change their attitude towards the government."

Thus, since September 24, there has been a complete lack of gasoline at gas stations in the occupied Crimea, including the most expensive brand A-100.

The shortage of gasoline was caused by a temporary decrease in production at Russian refineries , which led to a reduction in fuel supplies to the peninsula. In terms of the rate of increase in the price of gasoline at gas stations, this commodity was the fastest to rise in price in Crimea.

At the end of August, after several weeks of absence, A-95 gasoline appeared at gas stations in Crimea, but at a record price of 70.79 rubles per liter. The fuel shortage and sharp rise in price are attributed to the Ukrainian armed forces' strikes on Russian oil refineries.

Сергій Лозовський