Russia's largest petrochemical complex halted after drone attack – Reuters
Photo: ZapSibNeftekhim petrochemical complex in Tobolsk (Getty Images)
The Russian petrochemical complex Sibur-ZapSibNeftekhim in Tobolsk, Tyumen region, has suspended operations indefinitely following a drone attack, Reuters reports.
According to three sources familiar with the matter, the complex was damaged in a drone attack on Monday, August 10. One of the sources said the facility, Russia's largest liquefied petroleum gas plant, had been shut down indefinitely. Specialists are currently assessing the extent of the damage and the potential consequences of the attack.
Exchange data already point to potential operational disruptions at the plant. On Tuesday, no volumes of liquefied gas were put up for sale on the Saint Petersburg International Mercantile Exchange for shipment from the Tobolsk terminal.
Earlier this year, the facility regularly sold around 4,000 metric tons of a technical propane-butane mix per day.
According to industry sources cited by Reuters, ZapSibNeftekhim produces around 6 million metric tons of liquefied petroleum gas annually. This accounts for approximately 40% of Russia's total production.
At the same time, a significant portion of the facility's output is not sold on the market. Industry participants estimate that around half of the liquefied gas produced at the plant is used as feedstock for petrochemical production at Sibur's integrated complex in Tobolsk.
Therefore, a prolonged shutdown could affect not only liquefied gas supplies but also the operations of related petrochemical facilities.
Earlier, Ukrainian drones struck ZapSibNeftekhim in Tobolsk, Tyumen region, Russia. According to Ukraine's Special Operations Forces, the drones traveled more than 2,000 km to reach the target.
The Special Operations Forces said that fires and destruction were reported at the complex following the strike.
