Drone Attacks Disrupt Operations at Sizran and Saratov Refineries
Following targeted drone assaults, both the Sizran and Saratov oil refineries have suspended crude oil processing. At the Sizran facility, several units were damaged, most notably the primary crude distillation unit AVT-6, which accounts for around 71% of the refinery’s processing capacity. Repairing this critical unit is expected to take at least one month. The Saratov refinery, which has faced multiple drone attacks in 2024, also halted operations several times this year.
Located in Russia's Samara region, the Sizran refinery ceased operations on Tuesday after drones struck key infrastructures. The AVT-6 unit, with a throughput capacity of 17,100 metric tons per day, sustained significant damage. Meanwhile, the secondary distillation unit AVT-5, capable of processing 7,100 tons daily (equivalent to 29% of total capacity), was already undergoing repairs following a drone attack in July.
The Saratov refinery stopped processing last Friday due to a drone strike. This facility has experienced repeated interruptions: it halted operations on September 11 after another strike, and earlier on September 8 due to equipment damage and fires triggered by attacks. Preparations for resuming production were underway for September 10-11. Additionally, the plant was offline for several weeks in August because of similar drone-related disruptions.
Oil Processing Output in 2024
In 2024, the Sizran refinery processed 4.3 million tons of crude oil, producing 0.8 million tons of gasoline, 1.5 million tons of diesel fuel, and 0.7 million tons of fuel oil. During the same period, the Saratov refinery handled 5.8 million tons of crude, yielding 1.2 million tons of gasoline, 1.9 million tons of diesel, and 1 million tons of fuel oil. These repeated attacks highlight the increasing vulnerability of critical energy infrastructure.
The assaults on the Sizran and Saratov refineries underscore mounting threats to energy infrastructure that could have far-reaching effects on the oil market and fuel supply chains.
As repairs and recovery efforts continue, it is crucial to consider not only the cost of restoring damaged equipment but also the potential delays in oil and fuel deliveries. Both refineries supply a substantial share of domestic fuel consumption, making their operational stability essential for the regional and national energy markets.
The recent disruptions at the Sizran and Saratov refineries highlight a troubling trend in the region, as similar drone attacks have also forced other facilities to cease operations. This escalating pattern of targeted strikes raises concerns about the stability of oil processing in Russia and its potential impact on supply chains and market dynamics.