Fire at Saratov refinery following overnight drone attack
An oil refinery in Saratov caught fire overnight after being hit by drones, with more than two separate ignition points reported. The strike targeted an isomerization unit, forcing personnel to take emergency measures by venting pressure from the system. No official confirmation from the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine had been received at the time of publication.
The Saratov refinery, part of Rosneft, processed 5.8 million tons of oil in 2024, accounting for 2.2% of Russia's total refining volume. The facility produces over 20 types of petroleum products and has a design capacity of 140,000 barrels of oil per day. Notably, following a previous wave of attacks that began in August 2025, the plant shut down completely twice: in November and December 2025.
Impact of strikes on Russia's refining sector
Since the start of the full-scale invasion, the Saratov refinery has been hit at least 15 times. Since the beginning of 2026, drones have struck at least 16 Russian refineries, taking about 11% of the country's refining capacity offline. In 2026, refineries in Yaroslavl, Syzran, Kstovo, Orsk, and Moscow have also come under attack.
According to Reuters analysts, Russia's oil production could have dropped by 300,000 to 400,000 barrels per day in April 2026. On the night of December 13, 2025, drones struck the Saratov refinery shortly after it had resumed operations. These strikes on refineries have become part of a strategy that significantly impacts Russia's refining industry.
Attacks on oil refineries in Russia, including the Saratov plant, highlight the growing impact of drones on the country's energy infrastructure. – Reuters
These strikes could have serious economic consequences, including reduced oil output and increased risks to energy supply stability. The situation remains fluid, and further attacks could shift the regional balance of power and affect global energy markets.
The recent attack on the Saratov refinery is part of a troubling pattern affecting multiple facilities across Russia. For instance, a drone strike on the Syzran refinery resulted in fatalities and injuries, underscoring the escalating risks to the country's oil infrastructure. Such incidents not only disrupt production but also raise concerns about the broader implications for Russia's energy security and economy.