Russian oil refining falls to lowest level since 2002 — media
Russia’s crude oil refining reportedly fell to its lowest level in more than twenty years in July, largely due to increasing damage to the country’s energy infrastructure from Ukrainian drone strikes.
Refineries across the world’s third-largest oil producer have processed an estimated 3.6 million barrels of crude a day last month, Bloomberg reported, citing data from Energy Aspects, a UK-based energy and crude market consultancy.
That is the weakest monthly level since May 2002. Refinery throughput in Russia averaged 5.3 million to 5.6 million barrels a day during the same period of the year between 2020 and 2025.
The decline followed one of the most intensive months of Ukraine’s aerial campaign on Russian oil facilities since the start of the full-scale war. Drone strikes targeted refineries, storage depots, export terminals and other energy infrastructure, forcing repeated shutdowns and reducing processing capacity.
Drone strikes cripple Russian oil industry
The Bloomberg report said Russia’s refining volumes were around one-third below normal seasonal levels. Lower refinery throughput has also freed up more crude for export, helping Russia increase shipments from its western ports.
Ukraine has steadily expanded its campaign against Russia’s energy infrastructure over the past year, arguing that oil revenues help finance Moscow’s war effort.
According to a Bloomberg tally based on statements from Russian and Ukrainian officials, eighteen Russian refineries were targeted in July, including the largest refinery in Omsk, which is located more than 2,500 kilometres (1,550 miles) from the Ukrainian border. In July, two pipelines, five large tankers, and five pieces of port infrastructure were also targeted.
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