Crimean Authorities Cut Fuel Prices by 11 Rubles as Shortage Triggers Summer Booking Cancellations
Updated
Updated · The Moscow Times · Jun 15
Crimean Authorities Cut Fuel Prices by 11 Rubles as Shortage Triggers Summer Booking Cancellations
3 articles · Updated · The Moscow Times · Jun 15
Summary
An 11-ruble-per-liter fuel price cut was agreed with retailers after shortages in annexed Crimea began disrupting the peak summer tourism season.
About 80% of tourists reach Crimea by car, and operators say fuel fears drove mass cancellations: one tour company lost 80% of June bookings and about half for July and August.
Hotels and guesthouses reported the damage spreading quickly, with one property running at 30% occupancy versus a usual 65%-70%, while some small businesses struggled to refund deposits already spent on seasonal preparations.
Larger operators and resorts said the hit was uneven—June bookings at one major tour company were down about 10% year on year, while July-August reservations stayed 12% higher and one resort remained 87% full.
The tourism ministry has offered a hotline and promised visitors up to 20 liters of fuel, but Crimea's economy minister still called the shortage a blow to the peninsula's tourism-dependent economy.