Major Russian oil refinery out of operation after Ukrainian attack

A major oil refinery in Salavat, Russia, caught fire following a Ukrainian drone attack early Thursday morning. The facility, located in the Russian republic of Bashkortostan, is part of a larger petrochemical industrial area. The republic's head, Radij Khabirov, reported the incident via the Telegram messaging app.

The Ukrainian military confirmed the strike, stating the target was the oil refinery and petrochemical complex, which allegedly supplied fuel to Russian forces. This incident follows another Ukrainian attack two days prior on an oil refinery in Orsk, which has now been completely shut down. Repairs at the Orsk facility could take up to six months, according to the regional governor.

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We are preparing for a worst-case scenario and will have to rely on fuel supplies from outside the region.

These attacks are central to Ukraine's strategy to cripple Russia's fuel production and oil export capabilities. The aim is twofold: to make Russian citizens feel the war's consequences in their daily lives and to diminish the revenue Russia earns from oil exports, which funds its military operations. The governor of the Orenburg region, where Orsk is located, indicated that the region is preparing for a worst-case scenario, potentially relying on fuel supplies from outside the area.

Russians are increasingly experiencing the impact of these energy disruptions, with both motorists and businesses facing fuel shortages and rising prices. In recent months, nearly all Russian regions have implemented restrictions on commercial gasoline sales, including price caps and rationing. While authorities claim the situation has improved recently, drivers in Moscow express concerns about a potential new crisis, noting that queues are growing again and gasoline prices are increasing.

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The queues are starting to grow again. And note that gasoline prices have not gone down, they are actually going up.