Drone Attack Sparks Afipsky Oil Refinery Fire in Russia
A fire erupted at the Afipsky oil refinery in Russia due to fallen drone debris. Russian air defense systems intercepted nine Ukrainian drones. The incident may lead to increased Russian oil exports. Two other refineries have also been impacted by recent drone attacks, with repairs expected to take a month.
A blaze occurred at the Afipsky oil refinery in Russia's Krasnodar region, ignited by debris from a downed drone, according to local emergency officials on Thursday.
The Russian Defence Ministry reported that air defense systems successfully intercepted nine Ukrainian drones over the region during the night. The full extent of damage to the Afipsky refinery remains unclear. Together with the Krasnodar refinery, it processed 7.2 million metric tons of crude oil in 2024.
Market insiders speculate that the disruption may lower crude usage, potentially increasing Russia's oil exports in August. The Ryazan and Novokuibyshevsk refineries, both managed by Rosneft, suspended operations on several units after a separate drone strike earlier this month, with repairs projected to last a month.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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