Empty Shelves, Fuel Rationing Hit Occupied Crimea as Ukraine Pressures Russian Logistics

Food shortages are becoming increasingly visible in Russian-occupied Crimea, with residents reporting empty shelves and rationing of basic goods as mounting logistical problems strain supplies to the peninsula.

Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation (CCD) said on Monday that essential products including sugar, flour, cereals, salt, pasta, and cooking oil are disappearing from stores.

Some retail chains have reportedly introduced purchase limits.

According to the agency, the shortages are being driven by rising demand and worsening transport difficulties.

The influx of Russian military personnel and migrants has placed additional pressure on local supply chains, while key routes used to provision the occupied peninsula are facing disruptions.

“The occupation authorities continue to project stability, but residents are increasingly encountering empty shelves, purchase restrictions, and rising prices,” the CCD said.

The worsening food shortages come on top of a fuel crisis that Kyiv Post previously reported had spread across the peninsula after intensified Ukrainian strikes on Russian supply lines.

Russian-installed authorities introduced emergency rationing measures, limiting A-95 gasoline purchases to 20 liters (5.3 gallons) per day and later restricting fuel sales to coupon holders amid growing shortages and long lines at gas stations.

According to local occupational authorities, cash sales of gasoline were suspended in Crimea on June 4, with existing ration coupons themselves becoming scarce.

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The CCD said Crimea is becoming more isolated and that Russia is struggling to maintain normal supplies.

“In practice, Russia is gradually losing its ability to supply the occupied peninsula at its usual capacity,” the statement said.

Signs of shortages have also appeared in Sevastopol, where some supermarkets reportedly limit customers to three bottles of cooking oil and three packages of pasta per purchase.

The problems come days after Ukrainian forces struck the Chonhar Bridge, one of the key routes linking occupied Crimea with Russian-controlled territory in southern Ukraine.

Russian military bloggers and occupation officials acknowledged damage to the bridge and traffic disruptions. Vehicles were rerouted through alternative crossings.

The Chonhar Bridge is part of the R-280 highway, a major route used to move Russian troops, equipment, fuel, and supplies between Crimea and the front lines.

As Ukraine steps up attacks on Russian logistics, keeping occupied Crimea supplied is becoming increasingly difficult.