Russia's Ryazan refinery has halted oil processing after drone attack, sources say

• The refinery processed 13.1 million metric tons of crude oil in 2024, producing 2.2 million tons of gasoline, 3.4 million tons of diesel fuel, and 4.3 million tons of fuel oil
• Russian air defenses shot down 45 drones overnight over the Ryazan region, with falling debris causing fires at industrial sites
• Despite the shutdown, the refinery continued selling refined products on the St. Petersburg International Mercantile Exchange as of Thursday

Summary: Russia's Ryazan Refinery Halted After Ukrainian Drone Attack

Key Development:

Russia's Ryazan oil refinery, owned by Rosneft, completely halted crude oil processing on Wednesday, July 30, following a Ukrainian drone attack. The shutdown is expected to last approximately two weeks, according to industry sources.

Attack Details:

• Ukrainian military struck the facility overnight
• Russian air defenses reportedly shot down 45 drones over the Ryazan region
• Falling debris caused fires at industrial sites
• This marks the second attack on the facility this year, following a previous drone strike on May 15

Refinery Significance:

The Ryazan refinery is one of Russia's largest processing plants, representing substantial capacity:

• Processed 13.1 million metric tons of crude oil in 2024
• Accounts for approximately 4.9% of Russia's total refining throughput
• 2024 production: 2.2 million tons of gasoline, 3.4 million tons of diesel fuel, and 4.3 million tons of fuel oil

Operational Impact:

Sources indicate the two-week timeline reflects the complexity of restarting refining operations after unscheduled shutdowns, requiring time to restore primary and secondary processing units, adjust technological processes, and meet product quality specifications.

Market Activity:

Despite the operational halt, the refinery continued selling refined products on the St. Petersburg International Mercantile Exchange as of Thursday, with gasoline and diesel fuel volumes still offered for sale.

Implications:

The extended shutdown of a facility representing nearly 5% of Russia's refining capacity could impact domestic fuel supply and potentially affect global energy markets, particularly amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.