Russia loses quarter of its oil refining capacity due to drone attacks, Reuters says
Photo: Drone strikes have destroyed a quarter of Russia's oil refining capacity (Getty Images)
Practically all of the largest oil refineries in central Russia have either fully stopped or significantly reduced fuel production. This has occurred as a result of large-scale Ukrainian drone attacks, Reuters reports.
Scale of damage to Russian refineries
According to the outlet, the combined capacity of Russian facilities that have partially or fully halted operations exceeds 83 million metric tons per year (about 238,000 tons per day).
Reuters sources say this represents around a quarter of Russia’s total oil refining capacity. The affected plants accounted for more than 30% of gasoline production in Russia and about 25% of diesel fuel output. Among the struck facilities are key refineries in Moscow, Yaroslavl, Nizhny Novgorod, Ryazan, and Kirishi.
In particular, one of Russia’s largest refineries, Kirishi, with a capacity of 20 million tons per year, has been completely shut down since May 5. Another major facility, Nizhegorodnefteorgsintez (NORSI) with a capacity of 17 million tons, was hit today, May 20. It is currently unknown whether the plant can continue even partial operations.
Consequences for the Russian budget
Russia’s Energy Ministry declined to comment on the situation. At the same time, Russian officials’ social media posts indicate that Ukraine has doubled the number of attacks on the enemy’s energy infrastructure since the beginning of the year.
Strikes on refineries, pipelines, and oil storage facilities have already led to a decline in Russian oil production, making Russia the world’s third-largest oil producer.
This increases financial pressure on the Kremlin’s federal budget, where oil and gas taxes account for about a quarter of total revenues.
Strikes on Russian refineries
Ukraine’s Defense Forces have been systematically carrying out successful strikes on the enemy’s fuel infrastructure. In particular, on May 18, Ukrainian forces hit the Lukoil-Nizhegorodnefteorgsintez oil refinery in the city of Kstovo, Nizhny Novgorod region, which supplies fuel to the Russian army.
In addition, a Russian oil pumping station was also hit, causing large fires at both sites.
Just a day later, on May 20, Ukrainian forces carried out another strike, again hitting the Lukoil refinery in Kstovo, as well as other important strategic enemy facilities.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s General Staff reported that the Ukrainian military attacked a military plant and an oil pumping station near Moscow and an enemy refinery, significantly undermining Russian military logistics.
