By Alexander Miller, consultant in energy markets. Eurasia Business News, August 11, 2025. Article n°1703

A Ukrainian drone strike on August 10, targeted the Rosneft-owned oil refinery in Saratov, Russia, causing significant damage which forced the refinery to halt crude oil intake operations as of August 11. This refinery is the third in Russia’s Volga region to be impacted by drone attacks in recent days, following earlier strikes on other Rosneft facilities such as Ryazan and Novokuibyshevsk refineries.

The attack reportedly caused multiple explosions and fires, and at least one fatality was reported, along with damage to residential buildings nearby and an industrial site. Flights to and from Saratov were briefly suspended due to safety concerns.

The strike is part of an escalating pattern of Ukrainian drone attacks deep inside Russian territory targeting critical energy infrastructure to disrupt Moscow’s military and economic capabilities. Russian air defenses intercepted many drones during these attacks, but the refinery damage prompted an emergency response from Russian authorities due to its strategic importance.

The Saratov refinery has an annual crude processing capacity of about 5.8 million metric tons and produced around 4 million tons of gasoline and diesel last year. The recent damage and operational halt have contributed to higher fuel prices within Russia, which have surged about 30% since spring despite an export ban on gasoline.

Advertisements

Our community already has nearly 150,000 readers!

Subscribe to our Telegram channel

Follow us on Telegram, Facebook and Twitter

© Copyright 2025 – Eurasia Business News. Article no. 1703