Ukraine’s strikes destroy Crimea’s fuel coupons—chain refuses refunds

A Russian fuel chain in Crimea is refusing to refund prepaid coupons after Ukrainian strikes crippled the region’s supply. The company is citing a 14-day return law, but a Russian lawyer says the law does not apply—and calls the policy “unjust enrichment.” The strikes left thousands of prepaid fuel coupons worthless. Customers who bought them in advance can no longer use them because many gas stations are closed or out of fuel. The largest chain in Crimea, which has not been named publicly, is blocking refunds. The company argues that its return policy allows only 14 days for exchanges. But a Russian legal expert disputes this. “That law covers voluntary returns of undamaged goods. It does not cover a situation where the seller cannot deliver the service,” the lawyer said. He added that holding the money after a force majeure event amounts to unjust enrichment. The standoff leaves Crimean residents with no fuel and no way to recover their money. The region, annexed by Russia in 2014, relies heavily on Russian fuel supplies. Ukrainian strikes have repeatedly targeted those supply lines in recent months.