The Nizhny Novgorod Oil Refinery, one of Russia’s largest, has ceased operations after a drone strike attributed to Ukrainian forces on April 5. This incident marks a significant disruption in the region’s oil supply chain.
Sources indicate that the refinery, owned by Lukoil and the second-largest gasoline producer in Russia, sustained extensive damage to its infrastructure. Following the attack, Lukoil announced the suspension of sales for gasoline, diesel, and fuel oil produced at the facility.
Gleb Nikitin, the governor of the Nizhny Novgorod region, confirmed that two facilities within the refinery were hit. In addition to the production units, the power station and several adjacent buildings were also affected. As a result, the supply of petroleum products from the refinery may be halted until at least the end of April.
The Nizhny Novgorod Oil Refinery has a processing capacity of 16 million tons of crude oil annually, equating to approximately 320,000 barrels per day. Located 450 kilometers east of Moscow, it serves as a crucial supplier for central Russia.
Continued attacks on oil refineries are forcing Russia to reduce its exports and seek alternative methods to address fuel shortages in the domestic market. This situation has direct implications for the logistics of Russian military operations in Ukraine.
The Nizhny Novgorod Oil Refinery has halted operations due to a drone strike, causing significant disruptions in fuel supply. This incident underscores the ongoing impacts of the conflict on Russia's energy infrastructure and military logistics.