economy
"I looked at the gasoline situation and closed the cafe before I went bankrupt." How Crimea is experiencing the resort season without light and fuel
In June, the lives of Crimeans changed dramatically. Until then, their measured life was interrupted only by rare air raids in Sevastopol, but since the beginning of summer, the news has been getting worse and worse: a carriage of the Grand Service Express passenger train, the main railway carrier on the peninsula, caught fire, the station in Dzhankoy, which was hit by the station building, was closed, then gasoline disappeared from free sale, the power plant in Simferopol was put out of order, and electricity supply was restricted.
TL;DR
- Crimea is experiencing a complete power outage in Sevastopol and widespread electricity restrictions.
- Fuel is no longer sold to the general public, with remaining supplies reserved for state entities.
- The tourism season has collapsed, with booking numbers dropping significantly (estimated 80-90% decline).
- Transport disruptions include damaged railway stations, closed ferry crossings, and long queues for fuel.
- Businesses like cafes and guesthouses are suffering immense losses, with many closing for the season.
- Locals are resorting to desperate measures, including selling fuel at exorbitant prices and relying on short-term rentals for illicit affairs.
- The fear of drone attacks and explosions is palpable, affecting daily life and business operations.
- Despite the dire situation, some individuals attempt to continue their businesses, facing challenges with infrastructure and customer numbers.