Russian Fuel Supply Jolted as Ukraine Takes Out Key Refinery Unit—Repairs Could Take a Month

A Rosneft-owned oil refinery in Syzran has halted crude processing after sustaining damage in a December 5 drone strike, Reuters reported on December 9, citing two industry sources familiar with the situation.

The refinery, located in Russia’s Samara region, reportedly suffered a direct hit on its AVT-6 primary crude distillation unit—equipment considered the core of refinery operations. The same unit was previously struck by drones in August, forcing a two-week shutdown for repairs.

One source told Reuters the latest damage could take up to a month to repair, potentially disrupting fuel supply chains in several Russian regions.

This marks at least the seventh successful Ukrainian strike on the refinery in 2025, according to industry reporting.

Last year, the Syzran plant processed significantly below its capacity — roughly 90,000 barrels per day, industry figures show. Output for the year included 800,000 tons of gasoline, 1.5 million tons of diesel, and 700,000 tons of fuel oil.

The refinery supplies fuel to the Samara, Saratov, and Penza regions, as well as parts of central Russia. It is also a key supplier for airfields and military units of Russia’s Central and Southern military districts.

If repair timelines extend or further strikes occur, analysts say the disruptions could begin to ripple through civilian and military logistics across western Russia.

Earlier, reports emerged that the December 5 strike on the Temryuk seaport in the Krasnodar region destroyed 20 fuel tanks, amounting to 70% of the facility’s storage.

A fire also continues to burn at a liquefied gas loading dock, where nearly two dozen railway tankers are located. As of the evening of December 7, the fire covered nearly 1,000 square meters.

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