Ukraine’s drone strike shut Russia’s biggest LPG plant as fuel rationing returned in 16 regions

On 10 August 2026, a Ukrainian drone strike crippled Russia's Sibur ZapSibNefteKhim complex, the country's largest liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) producer, located in Tobolsk, western Siberia. The complex, which generates around 40% of Russia's LPG, plays a crucial role in the country's fuel system. The drone strike shut down the plant indefinitely, removing approximately six million metric tons of annual LPG capacity from the fuel supply chain.

This setback came amid a fuel crisis that had already resurfaced in at least 16 regions within days of the strike, as reported by the independent Russian outlet 7×7. Fuel rationing was observed in various regions, with Sochi only offering fuel at 38 out of 58 gas stations. Tyumen Oblast Governor Aleksandr Moor confirmed a fire at an industrial site following the drone attack, but no further details were provided.

The strike targeted the central gas fractionation unit, which separates raw hydrocarbons into usable products. The Sibur plant supplies feedstock to defense-industry enterprises, including those producing solid rocket fuel, motors for various rocket systems, and charges for multiple-launch rocket systems. The shutdown affects production at the Ufa petrochemical complex, but other petrochemical plants, such as the Lipetsk Oblast's, are not directly impacted.

The fuel shortage persists due to rally-alert protocols halting fuel tanker deliveries. Russia's fuel system had already been strained, with fuel rationing affecting over half of the country's regions by mid-July. Ukraine's drone campaign had targeted Russian refineries 194 times in the first half of 2026, significantly reducing refining capacity.

Repair timelines have been delayed due to sanctions restricting spare parts availability. In response, Russia has imposed limits on gasoline exports and imported fuel from India and Morocco, refining crude shipped over 14,000 kilometers.