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Moscow Oil Refinery Likely Offline Until 2027 After Drone Strikes
Two Ukrainian drone strikes in mid-June damaged a key refining unit at the Moscow Oil Refinery, which processes 11.6 million metric tons of crude annually. Russia faces a 25 percent drop in gasoline output and has approved measures to boost domestic supplies.
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The Moscow Oil Refinery sustained extensive structural damage after two strikes by Ukrainian long-range drones within a single week in mid-June 2026. com reported. Operated by Gazprom Neft in southeast Moscow, the facility processed 11.6 million metric tons of crude oil in 2024 and normally supplies nearly half of the capital’s fuel needs.
Industry sources cited by Reuters said the refinery is highly unlikely to resume production before 2027 and will likely remain offline for at least six months. Russia has recorded a nearly 25 percent drop in weekly gasoline output amid damage to energy infrastructure. Roughly 10 regions have introduced fuel rationing that limits purchases to 30-40 liters per vehicle.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak stated the government is weighing a complete ban on diesel exports and considering fuel imports by sea. He described the country’s fuel situation as challenging but under control. Russia’s parliament approved a package of measures on Wednesday that includes new subsidies for imported fuel and temporary relief for refiners.
Moscow is also examining fuel imports from Turkey and other Asian suppliers to stabilize domestic prices. A separate strike on the Kombinat Temp strategic depot in Rybinsk destroyed 15 tactical fuel tanks. Russia’s strategic stockpiles are managed by the Federal Agency for State Reserves.
