Ukraine’s military intelligence agency says strikes had put 15 of Russia’s 38 major oil refineries out of operation by the end of September, with another 12 reducing output, an assessment that points to pressure on Moscow’s fuel production and export capacity.
The assessment published November 5 by Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Directorate, known as HUR, estimated economic losses from strikes on Russia’s oil industry at more than $23.2 billion. The figures are the wartime assessment of Ukraine’s intelligence agency, a party to the conflict.
Refining losses concentrated in affected plants
HUR said processing volumes at the affected facilities had fallen 55.4% from the beginning of the year. The assessment identified damage at facilities including Ryazan, the Moscow refinery, Kirishi, Slavneft-YANOS and Lukoil’s Perm refinery. It said those listed plants accounted for about 33% of Russia’s refining volumes.
Remote plants take on more work
Russia has been shifting more work to refineries in remote regions, HUR said. The agency estimated that six such facilities processed 906,000 barrels a day in September, 147,000 more than at the beginning of the year. But transporting the fuel requires railcars and road tankers, and the agency warned that limited transport capacity and deferred maintenance could restrict those plants’ ability to fill the gap.
For businesses and households, the distinction is between crude oil and finished fuel. Refineries turn crude into products such as gasoline and diesel, so disruption can strain fuel deliveries even when crude is available.
The findings add an energy-supply dimension to the war, with Ukraine striking the Russian industry that helps fund Moscow’s campaign. HUR said repair work was also being hindered by international sanctions and the cost of replacing equipment.
JBizNews Desk | Global & Energy
© JBizNews.com. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction or redistribution is strictly prohibited.
