Ukrainian Strikes Have Shut Down 15 of Russia’s 38 Major Oil Refineries, Causing $23.2 Billion in Losses — HUR

Fifteen of Russia's 38 major oil refineries have been brought to a complete halt by strikes from Ukraine's Defense Forces, while an additional 12 have seen a reduction in production. According to an analysis by Ukraine's Defense Intelligence (HUR) and UATV English, oil refining volumes at these facilities have decreased by 55.4% compared to the beginning of the year, resulting in losses exceeding $23.2 billion for the Russian economy, which is nearly equivalent to the industry's total revenue in 2025, valued at $26.6 billion.

The most significant impact has been felt in the Volga, Central, and Southern federal districts, where the shutdowns have affected key facilities like Slavneft-YANOS, Kirishineftegazsintez, Ryazan Oil Refinery, Gazprom Neft's Moscow Refinery, and Lukoil-Permnefteorgsintez, accounting for around 33% of Russia's total oil refining capacity.

The Kremlin has managed to partially offset these losses by utilizing refineries in more remote areas, such as Omsk, Achinsk, Khabarovsk, and others, which have maintained operations. In September, these facilities processed 906,000 barrels of oil per day, a 147,000-barrel increase compared to the start of the year. However, redistributing production is challenging due to shortages of railway rolling stock and tanker trucks.

Furthermore, the facilities in remote regions may face reduced output in 2027 during scheduled maintenance work. On September 28, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed Decree No. 686, which limits information access about oil refining volumes, potentially hindering independent monitoring of the industry and enabling the spread of inaccurate data.

The need to repair damaged facilities and the high cost of replacement equipment, estimated at over $20 billion, could further exacerbate Russia's struggle to supply its domestic fuel market and fulfill export obligations. Russia has increasingly resorted to importing petroleum products from other nations through covert schemes to circumvent international sanctions.

Ukraine's Defense Forces have continued targeting Russian oil refining infrastructure, striking the Yaroslavl Oil Refinery on September 17, as reported by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.