Ukraine Claims Strike on Russian Saratov Oil Refinery, Fuel Shortages Worsen
SARATOV, russia - Ukrainian forces claim too have struck the Saratov oil refinery in Russia overnight, adding to a series of attacks targeting Russian energy infrastructure.The refinery is a key component of Russia’s oil processing capacity, and the strike comes as the country grapples with exacerbating seasonal fuel shortages.
According to Bloomberg estimates, Ukrainian attacks have impacted roughly half of Russia’s total refinery capacity this year. While the actual impact on fuel supply has been less than the capacity targeted,approximately 300,000 barrels per day of Russian refining capacity has been forced offline since August,according to Goldman Sachs Group – representing over 5% of the country’s total.
The persistent attacks have prompted the Russian government to ban gasoline exports and redirect diesel fuel to the domestic market. Transneft, the state-owned pipeline operator, recently informed domestic oil producers of its intention to reduce crude oil intake for storage, citing potential infrastructure damage as a factor. However, Transneft later stated that reports of immediate restrictions on oil acceptance were inaccurate.
Western governments have maintained a largely neutral public stance on the attacks. While the Biden administration previously criticized similar Ukrainian actions, there has been no such public condemnation this time.
Ross Neft did not respond to a request for comment.
Last week, Ukrainian drones targeted Primorsk, Russia’s largest oil loading port on the Baltic coast, and reportedly damaged pump stations supplying oil to Ustirga, another key export hub.
(Original title: Ukraine Claims Strike on Russia’s Saratov Crude Oil Refinery (1))
(Interview cooperation Alaric Nightingale)
