Ukrainian Drones Hit 7.2-Million-Tonne Russian Refinery as Fuel Shortage Spreads Across 88 Regions
Updated
Updated · EUobserver · Jul 14
Ukrainian Drones Hit 7.2-Million-Tonne Russian Refinery as Fuel Shortage Spreads Across 88 Regions
3 articles · Updated · EUobserver · Jul 14
Summary
Salavat’s Gazprom Neftekhim refinery, which processed 7.2 million tonnes of oil in 2024, caught fire after a Ukrainian drone strike about 1,300 km from the front line.
The attack followed hits on the Afipsky and Syzran refineries, where damage to a key primary processing unit is expected to halt repairs until month-end and deepen a petrol shortfall of up to 45,000 tonnes a day.
Russia’s refining throughput has fallen to 3.91 million barrels a day—the lowest since March 2005 and down 1.4 million from a year earlier—while petrol sales restrictions have reached 88 of 89 regions.
The shortages are rippling through the economy: Crimea faces acute fuel and power disruptions, diesel prices for road hauliers have jumped 75.8%, and analysts warn Russia may be forced to import petrol.
The report also said nine countries and Ukraine launched a coalition to develop Freya, a cheaper anti-ballistic missile meant to ease shortages of Patriot interceptors as Russian missile attacks intensify.
Can Ukraine's drone attacks on refineries cripple Russia's war economy before winter arrives?
Will Europe's new 'Freya' missile shield arrive in time to defend Ukrainian cities from Russian attacks?
Is China the undeclared winner of the drone war, supplying critical parts to both Russia and Ukraine?
Ukraine’s July 2026 Drone Offensive Triggers Russian Fuel Shortages and Global Energy Turmoil
Overview
In July 2026, Ukraine sharply escalated its long-range drone campaign, focusing on Russia’s vital energy infrastructure. By strategically targeting refineries and key supply routes, especially those linked to Crimea, Ukraine aimed to cripple Russia’s domestic fuel production and distribution. This led to a severe and widespread fuel crisis, with almost all of Russia’s 83 regions experiencing gasoline shortages or major supply disruptions. The crisis began in Crimea, where a state of emergency and a ban on fuel sales to civilians were imposed, and quickly spread across Russia’s 11 time zones, deeply impacting the country’s economy and daily life.