August M
A wave of Ukrainian drone attacks has forced several major oil refineries in central Russia to suspend or reduce production, dealing another blow to Moscow’s energy sector and fuel supply chain.
Industry sources told Reuters that the affected facilities account for a significant share of Russia’s gasoline and diesel production, increasing pressure on the Kremlin as the war drags on, reports Reuters.
Refining capacity hit
According to Reuters, the combined refining capacity of plants that have either halted operations or sharply reduced output exceeds 83 million metric tons annually.
That represents roughly a quarter of Russia’s total oil refining capacity.
The disrupted facilities are estimated to produce more than 30% of Russia’s gasoline and around 25% of its diesel fuel output.
Russia’s Energy Ministry did not respond to requests for comment.
Key plants targeted
Among the facilities reportedly affected are the Kirishi refinery in western Russia, the Moscow refinery, and plants located in Nizhny Novgorod, Ryazan and Yaroslavl.
Sources said the Kirishi refinery, one of Russia’s largest processing plants with annual capacity of 20 million metric tons, has been completely shut down since May 5.
Another major facility, the NORSI refinery in Nizhny Novgorod, was reportedly struck on May 20. It remains unclear whether operations there have continued at reduced levels.
Pressure on Moscow
Ukraine has intensified long-range drone attacks against Russian energy infrastructure this year, increasingly targeting refineries, storage depots and pipeline facilities.
The strikes are adding pressure to Russia’s state finances, which rely heavily on taxes from oil and gas exports.
Reuters reported that energy revenues account for roughly a quarter of Russia’s federal budget income.
The attacks have also contributed to fuel supply concerns inside Russia, prompting Moscow to introduce a temporary gasoline export ban running from April through July.
Economic battlefield
Kyiv has increasingly framed attacks on Russian energy assets as part of a broader strategy aimed at weakening Moscow’s ability to finance the war.
Russian officials have acknowledged growing numbers of Ukrainian drone strikes targeting industrial and energy infrastructure deep inside the country.
The latest disruptions highlight how the conflict is increasingly extending beyond the battlefield and into Russia’s economic and industrial sectors.
Sources: Reuters
