Russia’s NORSI refinery stops after drone attack, sources say

• The attack damaged the CDU-5 primary refining unit with capacity of 12,000 metric tons per day, representing about 25% of the plant's total production capability
• NORSI can process around 15 million tons of crude annually and produces about 5 million tons of gasoline and over 5 million tons of diesel per year
• Two people were killed in the attack according to regional Governor Gleb Nikitin, and the St. Petersburg exchange halted diesel and gasoline sales from NORSI starting Wednesday

Summary

Key Development:

Russia's NORSI oil refinery, the country's fourth-largest refinery and second-largest gasoline producer, suspended operations on Wednesday, June 25, following a Ukrainian drone attack. Two people were killed in the incident.

Operational Impact:

The attack damaged the CDU-5 primary refining unit, which has a capacity of 12,000 metric tons per day—approximately 25% of the plant's total production capability. The refinery, owned by Lukoil, is located near Kstovo in the Nizhny Novgorod region, roughly 450 km east of Moscow. Industry sources indicated the facility may restart operations using other units in the near future.

Production Capacity:

NORSI processes approximately 15 million tons of crude oil annually and produces:

• 5 million tons of gasoline
• 5+ million tons of diesel
• 2 million tons of fuel oil
• 500,000 tons of bitumen

Market Implications:

The shutdown is expected to worsen Russia's nationwide fuel shortages. The St. Petersburg International Mercantile Exchange (SPIMEX) halted diesel and gasoline sales from NORSI effective Wednesday. Ukraine has stated its drone strike campaign targets Russian energy infrastructure to undermine war funding, while President Putin characterizes these attacks as attempts to destabilize the civilian population.

Company/Sector:

Lukoil (refinery owner) did not respond to requests for comment. The incident highlights ongoing vulnerabilities in Russia's critical energy infrastructure and potential supply disruptions affecting domestic fuel markets.