When Vladimir Putin promised Crimeans a government subsidy for gasoline a month ago, they were delighted: at the time, the price of fuel had reached 450 rubles per liter, and there were lines stretching for many kilometers at every gas station that still had it. People had no idea that this was just a “brief respite.” The subsidy program went into effect on August 4. The price of 92-octane gasoline dropped to 100 rubles. However, finding it is a matter of sheer luck.

"Atan" Gas Station, on the outskirts of Feodosia, August 7, 2026

“Atan” Gas Station, Yevpatoria, August 7, 2026

ATAN gas station, Tavrida highway, August 7, 2026

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The only gas station chain where you can buy subsidized fuel is “Atan.” Its owner, Alexei Tikhomirov, is a longtime friend and business partner of Crimean Gauleiter Sergey Aksyonov. The two friends have now effectively taken control of another gas station chain — “TES.” Its owner, Sergei Beym, was arrested last year on charges of corruption and embezzlement. At these gas stations, the price of 92-octane gasoline has also been lowered, but it is almost impossible to find it there. Aksyonov’s profits from cheap gasoline are no worse than from expensive gasoline, according to a Crimean economist who agreed to comment on the situation for CEMAAT on condition of anonymity.

“We don’t know the actual amount of the subsidy. It could be 50 rubles, or maybe 100. But in any case, we’re the ones paying for everything: 100 rubles at the gas station, and the rest through our taxes. And it’s precisely so he can manage budget funds without tenders or hearings — to keep the waters as murky as possible — that Aksyonov issued the state of emergency order. As if to say, we need to resolve this issue quickly. So they’re settling things “for their own pockets.” And on top of that, along with the price drop starting August 4, they’ve tightened the rules on gasoline imports by private individuals — so people won’t bring it in “from across the bridge.” “Why would they want competition? They should sell it themselves at triple the price,” explains our interviewee. 

Other types of fuel — diesel and AI-95 gasoline — are also expected to “get cheaper” within a week. Crimeans already realize they are on the brink of a new shortage.

“I don’t need a price tag. I need gas. Back in July, I knew I’d have to wait in line for half the day, but I’d still be able to fill up. Now there are no lines and no gas. I’m buying 95-octane, even though my Hyundai ran fine on 92-octane. And soon there won’t even be any 95-octane left — as soon as it gets cheaper,” says Yuriy, a resident of Ak’yar (Sevastopol), with irritation.

Another fear among car owners is a further decline in gasoline quality. Although they say, it can't get any worse than it already is.

“My BMW won’t run on 92-octane — only 95. But I’ve long since forgotten when I last drove it faster than 100 kilometers per hour. It barely makes it up hills at 40 km/h. And the other day, it just stalled on the highway. It stalled! I’d even forgotten what that was like — the last time my dad’s ‘Zhiguli’ stalled was back when I was a student in the ’90s. I worked my butt off for thirty years just to drive decent cars — and what did it get me?” asks Asan, an entrepreneur from Bakhchisaray, rhetorically. 

In addition to the corrupt occupying authorities, auto repair shops will also profit from the poor quality of gasoline. On social media, Crimeans are sharing their problems — spark plugs and fuel injectors are clogging up en masse, and fuel pumps and engine cylinders are failing.

A real estate agent from Aqmesdcit (Simferopol) posted a photo on Instagram of the liquid that auto mechanics found in her gas tank. Its color is more like cognac. This substance destroyed the fuel pump. But what worries the Crimean woman most isn’t even the cost of replacing it, but the question of where to get decent gas so she doesn’t ruin her car completely.