Russia's offline primary oil refining capacity reached a record monthly high of 6.4 million tons in August, up 65% from previous estimates - Reuters calculations

Ukrainian drone attacks knocked out around 17%, or 1.2 million barrels per day of Russia's primary oil refining capacity - Reuters calculations Actual fuel production expected to decline by around 5% in August from July - sources Russia's offline primary oil refining capacity reached a record monthly high of 6.4 million tons in August, up 65% from previous estimates - Reuters calculations Ukrainian drone attacks knocked out around 17%, or 1.2 million barrels per day of Russia's primary oil refining capacity - Reuters calculations Actual fuel production expected to decline by around 5% in August from July - sources

Ukrainian drone attacks have significantly impacted Russia's primary oil refining capacity, with disruptions of around 17%, equivalent to 1.2 million barrels per day, according to Reuters calculations [1]. This has led to a record monthly high of 6.4 million tons of offline refining capacity in August, a 65% increase from previous estimates [1].

The attacks have also contributed to a decline in actual fuel production, expected to drop by around 5% in August compared to July, according to industry sources [1]. The Ukrainian military has targeted key refineries, including the Afipsky refinery in the Krasnodar region and the Kuibyshev refinery in the Samara region, disrupting operations and causing fires [1].

The disruptions have resulted in fuel shortages and price surges across Russia. Motorists are experiencing long queues and dry petrol stations, with wholesale prices for A-95, Russia's most widely used petrol, hitting record highs. The situation is particularly acute in remote regions and the annexed Crimean peninsula, where motorists have been forced to switch to more expensive grades due to shortages of regular A-95 petrol [2].

Russia has responded by imposing a gasoline export ban for oil producers, aiming to prevent shortages during peak demand periods [1]. However, the ongoing drone attacks and President Donald Trump's tariffs on Russian oil imports have further compounded the situation [2].

The Russian government and defense ministry have reported shooting down or intercepting hundreds of Ukrainian drones, but the attacks continue to disrupt oil refining capacity and supply chains [1]. The impact of these disruptions on Russia's energy exports and economic stability remains to be seen.

References:
[1] https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/russia-says-it-put-out-fire-large-oil-refinery-after-latest-ukrainian-drone-2025-08-28/
[2] https://unn.ua/en/news/russian-crude-oil-exports-decreased-due-to-ukrainian-drone-attacks-and-president-trumps-tariffs-bloomberg