Another Blow to Russia’s Oil Industry as Drones Set Major Refinery Ablaze

A drone attack reportedly triggered a fire at Russia’s Bashneft-Novoil oil refinery in Ufa, Bashkortostan, on October 31, with preliminary reports indicating damage to a key gasoline production unit.

According to Russian outlet ASTRA on October 31, an analysis of eyewitness photographs indicated that the fire broke out at the Bashneft-Novoil facility. Initial reports suggest that the refinery’s L-35 catalytic reforming unit may have been affected.

The unit produces reformate, a high-octane component used in gasoline production, as well as hydrogen required for fuel purification. Damage to the equipment could affect refinery operations, although the extent of the damage remains unconfirmed.

Bashneft-Novoil is part of Bashneft, a subsidiary of Russia’s state-controlled oil company Rosneft. The facility processes approximately 7.3 million metric tons of crude oil annually and produces gasoline, diesel, aviation kerosene, and industrial lubricants.

Local authorities declared a drone threat at approximately 5:40 a.m. local time, while Russia’s aviation regulator temporarily suspended operations at Ufa airport.

Footage circulating online showed thick smoke rising from the industrial zone, with residents reporting explosions and air defense activity.

Initial reports differed on the exact location of the strike. The monitoring channel Crimean Wind suggested that the nearby Bashneft-UNPZ refinery had been targeted, while ASTRA identified Bashneft-Novoil. Eyewitness accounts also raised the possibility that two facilities were affected, although this has not been verified.

The northern industrial zone of Ufa contains three major refineries—Bashneft-Novoil, Bashneft-UNPZ, and Bashneft-Ufaneftekhim—with a combined annual processing capacity of approximately 23.5 million metric tons.

Earlier, on October 30, Ukrainian forces struck a Russian Iskander-M ballistic missile launcher in the Kursk region, targeting Moscow’s ability to carry out missile attacks against Ukrainian cities. The strike was part of a broader operation against Russian ammunition depots, logistics facilities, and military repair bases.

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