A fifth of Russian refining sits idle, and the sector’s earnings still grew
The money is being made on prices and state compensation rather than on the volumes the front line actually needs.
Russian oil refineries reported a 16.2% increase in earnings during the first half of 2026 compared to the same period last year, despite Ukrainian drone strikes causing a fifth of the refining capacity to be out of action. The record-high wholesale prices and significant federal budget payments covered the costs of repairs and attacks.
Refineries convert Russian crude into essential fuel for the army and generate export earnings, which contribute to the war funds. Ukrainian drone strikes, which intensified in August 2025, have caused damage to Russian refineries, with estimates reaching $13.5 billion since August 2025.
Written by urgent.news from Euromaidan Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
