Orsk oil refinery halts operations after drone strike

The Orsknefteorgsintez oil refinery in Russia's Orenburg region has ceased operations after a Ukrainian drone strike ignited a fire and damaged critical refining equipment. The incident, which occurred early Tuesday, has led to significant disruption in the region's fuel supply.

Industry sources confirmed that several oil refining units sustained damage from the drone attack. In response, Orenburg region Governor Yevgeny Solntsev declared a "complicated situation with fuel" and implemented immediate restrictions on gasoline sales. These measures aim to ensure the continued operation of emergency services within the region.

As of August 12, fuel sales at regional gas stations are being managed based on vehicle license plate parity (odd or even numbers). Additionally, the sale of fuel in canisters is prohibited, and the amount of fuel an individual can purchase is limited. In 2024, the Orsknefteorgsintez refinery processed 4.2 million tons of crude oil, producing 1.8 million tons of diesel fuel and 600,000 tons of gasoline.