Attacks on oil refineries have forced Russia to cut fuel production
In May, diesel fuel production in Russia fell by approximately 10%, and this decline is directly linked to a series of drone attacks on oil refineries. Facilities were forced to shut down or drastically curtail operations, which is already affecting overall production volumes.
Experts note that this is not a one-off disruption but a continuation of the trend from the previous month, when Russian oil refining had already begun to lose momentum. As a result, the situation is gradually taking a toll on the country’s key energy indicators.
The drop in diesel production in Russia in May was a direct result of Ukrainian drone attacks on oil refineries. It was these strikes, as noted, that forced enterprises to either shut down individual production lines or switch to limited operations.
In April, the reduction had already reached about 1 million tons of diesel fuel, and in May, another approximately 600,000 tons were added. For comparison, in March, diesel production amounted to about 7.5 million tons, so the rate of decline appears significant even on the scale of a large energy system.
Despite the decline in production, maritime exports of diesel and gasoil actually increased by about 8% in April compared to March, reaching approximately 3.25 million tons. At the same time, on an annual basis, these figures remain nearly stable, indicating a delicate market balance. In May, exports remained relatively stable, but analysts note that it will be more difficult to sustain such volumes for long without stable domestic production.
Reuters emphasizes that production cuts due to drone attacks could limit Russia’s ability to capitalize on fluctuations in global oil prices. Against the backdrop of global crises, particularly the war in Iran and tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, the energy market is already under pressure.
In such a situation, any disruptions in the operation of oil refineries become not just a local problem, but a factor affecting broader energy stability and state revenues.
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