Ukrainian drones have struck more than twenty large oil refineries (refineries) on the territory of the Russian Federation since August. According to estimates by Russian analysts, as of September 28, 38% of the primary oil processing capacities in the country were idle, corresponding to 338,000 tons of raw material per day. The total available capacity for gasoline and diesel production decreased by 6% in August and another 18% in September.
This is reported by Business • Media
Record Levels of Downtime and the Impact of Drone Attacks
The scale of downtime at Russian refineries has reached unprecedented levels, exceeding the August record of 23% (206,000 tons per day), as well as the previous highs of May 2022 (196,000 tons) and May 2020 (164,000 tons). Approximately 70% of the downtime resulted from drone attacks, which, by the end of September, had incapacitated about a quarter of all oil refining capacities in Russia, or around 236,000 tons per day.
“As a result, gasoline production in September decreased by 1 million tons, and its shortage in the domestic market reached 20% of consumption.”
One of the latest incidents was recorded at the Yaroslavl Refinery, where a fire broke out on the morning of October 1. Despite this, local authorities deny any connection between the fire and a potential drone strike. The Yaroslavl plant is the fifth largest in terms of primary oil processing in Russia.
Export Restrictions and Preparation for Fuel Imports
Amid significant production cuts, Russia has imposed a complete ban on gasoline exports until the end of the year and has also restricted the export of diesel fuel, marine fuel, and other gas oils for all companies except producers. The Russian government is also preparing to import gasoline from abroad: for this purpose, the Eurasian Economic Union has established a zero import duty on gasoline, diesel fuel, marine fuel, and aviation kerosene. This decision will be in effect until June 30, 2026.