Stranded in Crimea: Tourist Says Fuel Shortage Has Her Trapped

A Russian woman visiting Crimea in a rental car says she’s stuck on the peninsula after running out of gas. Ekaterina, a Moscow resident, told BFM that she arrived in Crimea on May 29 and immediately hit trouble. From Sudak to Yalta, she found every gas station dry. In Sudak, attendants limited her to just 20 liters. Then things got worse. “They said fuel is only available with coupons, and they gave out hotline numbers. Not a single one answers. I have no idea how to get out of Crimea or where to fill up,” she said. She can’t take the train home because she has to return the rental car. A local journalist noted that the shortage varies by region. The Simferopol area is hit hard, while Feodosia gets deliveries. The start of tourist season and the number of visitors driving around are making the problem worse. Earlier, another traveler described his Crimea vacation as “constant stress and aggravation,” with troubles starting as soon as they tried to reach a beach.