Russian refineries halt operations: Ukrainian intel unveils reasons
Photo: three oil refineries shut down in Russia (rosmedia)
Three oil refineries in Russia have partially halted operations due to sanctions that have hindered their ability to complete repairs, according to the Foreign Intelligence Service.
The intelligence agency stated that the shutdown of these refineries would negatively impact domestic oil refining volumes, complicate the fulfillment of export obligations, worsen the fuel supply situation on the domestic market, and increase costs related to maintenance and modernization of the facilities.
During the shutdown, the refining capacity is expected to drop to 1.8-2 million tons monthly.
The Foreign Intelligence Service emphasizes that the shutdowns are due to limited access to Western equipment and components due to international sanctions and the inability to replace foreign parts needed for maintenance and upgrades.
“Russia’s import substitution program has shown minimal results. Russian equipment manufacturers cover only around 30-45% of market needs and only in specific components (pumps, compressors, reactors, etc.),” the report states.
According to the intelligence, Russia has also failed to substitute equipment with Chinese technology.
Attacks on Russian refineries
Ukrainian forces have conducted dozens of operations against refineries and oil depots on Russian territory and in occupied areas of Ukraine. Ukrainian defense forces are targeting facilities that fuel the occupying forces.
For instance, on the night of September 1, an oil refinery in Moscow was attacked. According to Moscow’s mayor, the drone attack caused a fire in a “separate technical room” of the facility.
Following the strike, the Moscow refinery suspended oil processing operations.
