As Feodosia Fire Rages for Third Day After Ukrainian Strike, Fuel Shortages Loom in Occupied Crimea

A major oil depot in temporarily occupied Feodosia, Crimea has been burning for three consecutive days following a successful strike by Ukrainian forces on October 7, with new footage of the fire appearing online.

Local channels report that, as of the morning of October 9, the fire at the oil depot remains uncontrolled, with flames visible from afar. Feodosia residents observe that the smoke columns show no signs of diminishing, and the city is permeated by a strong smell of burning.

Rescuers note that, most likely, it will not be possible to extinguish the fire until the fuel in the tanks burns out.

Crimea has been experiencing fuel supply problems for the past year, with reserves not exceeding two weeks' needs, according to Denys Chystikov, Deputy Permanent Representative of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea.

The situation is anticipated to deteriorate further following the recent attack on the oil depot in Feodosia, a key facility responsible for supplying fuel across the entire peninsula.

Chystikov stated that the destruction of fuel stockpiles is crucial for the Russian military infrastructure and will affect further logistical capabilities.

“It should be noted that there is currently no increase in fuel prices in Crimea, and it is unlikely to happen. Crimea already has the highest prices, compared to other regions of Russia, and these prices are associated with the risks that Russian oil companies include in the delivery of these goods, including for civilians,” Chystikov said. “Therefore, we will most likely see that fuel will begin to disappear from gas stations or its sale will be limited. There is already a certain panic among the locals that there will be problems with fuel and lubricants in the near future.”

Ukrainian Forces have been successfully striking military targets on Russian territories, including fuel depots and airbases.

On the night of August 8-9, 2024, near the settlement of Chornomorske in temporarily occupied Crimea, Ukrainian special forces conducted a successful operation using the MAGURA V5 marine drone. The operation resulted in the destruction of a Russian high-speed boat of the K-701 “Tunets” project, which had been used by Russian occupiers for patrolling and logistics.