Ukrainian drones put one of Russia's largest refineries out of action for months - Reuters
Photo: Ukrainian serviceman (facebook.com/bsp.donbas)
Russia's Gazprom Neftekhim Salavat oil refining and petrochemical complex in Bashkortostan has completely halted production following a Ukrainian drone attack on Tuesday, July 14, Reuters reports.
According to the outlet's sources, the drones struck and disabled both crude oil primary processing units, causing significant damage and forcing an emergency shutdown. The following facilities were completely taken offline:
- The CDU-6 crude oil distillation unit, with a processing capacity of 17,100 metric tons per day;
- The CDU-4 crude oil distillation unit, capable of processing 11,400 metric tons of oil and gas condensate per day.
The explosions also damaged several secondary processing units and other critical equipment. Sources told the agency that repairs and restoration of the affected facilities could take anywhere from several weeks to several months.
What is known about the complex
Gazprom Neftekhim Salavat is one of Russia's largest industrial enterprises. It produces gasoline, diesel fuel, aviation fuel, liquefied petroleum gas, butyl alcohol, ammonia, polyethylene, and polystyrene.
According to industry experts, the plant processed 7.2 million metric tons of feedstock in 2024, accounting for roughly 2.7% of Russia's total oil refining output.
As previously reported, Ukraine's Special Operations Forces said the drones that struck the Gazprom Neftekhim Salavat complex traveled approximately 1,500 kilometers. The facility was the last major Russian gasoline producer that had not yet been targeted this year.
Ukrainian forces also said the operation involved the underground resistance movement Chornaya Iskra, which operates inside Russia.
