**Russia’s Oil Refinery Halted After Ukrainian Drone Attack**
A devastating drone attack by Ukraine has brought Russia’s oil refining operations to a halt. The strike, which occurred on August 10th, targeted an oil refinery in Saratov Oblast owned by the Russian energy giant Rosneft.
The attack, confirmed by local witnesses and authorities, resulted in a large fire and explosions at the facility, causing one fatality and injuring several others. According to Bloomberg, the refinery has since stopped oil intake, with a processing capacity of 140,000 barrels per day. This pause could have significant implications for Russia’s domestic gasoline supplies.
Russia has been struggling to stabilize its gasoline market due to surging prices, which are likely exacerbated by Ukrainian strikes on oil infrastructure. The attack on Rosneft’s Saratov refinery is the third such strike this month, with two other Russian refineries – Ryazan and Novokuibyshevsk – also cutting operations.
**Why Oil Refineries Are Targets**
Ukraine regularly launches long-range drone attacks on industrial and military facilities in Russia. The fact that oil refineries are frequent targets highlights their strategic importance in funding Moscow’s war machine. These refineries provide the fuel needed to keep Russia’s military operations running, making them a prime target for Ukrainian forces.
While Ukraine rarely claims official credit for its attacks on Russian refineries, it has confirmed previous strikes on these facilities. The most recent strike on Rosneft’s Saratov refinery is likely to be viewed as another blow to Russia’s efforts to maintain control over the energy market.
**Impact on Russia’s Energy Sector**
The halt in oil intake at Rosneft’s Saratov refinery will undoubtedly have a ripple effect throughout Russia’s energy sector. The country has already been facing challenges in stabilizing its gasoline market, with surging prices causing concern among consumers and businesses alike.
As the conflict between Ukraine and Russia continues to escalate, it remains to be seen how these drone attacks will impact Russia’s ability to maintain control over its energy resources. One thing is clear: the impact on domestic gasoline supplies will be felt across the country, further straining an already fragile energy market.
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