Ukraine hits Russia’s largest oil refinery, putting it on fire; fuel crisis looms as Moscow might stop exports; what will India do?

This refinery produces about 3.55 lakh barrels of crude oil every year.

New Delhi: Amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine War, Ukraine’s drone attacks targeted one of Russia’s largest oil refineries, causing a fire there. Russian officials and the Ukrainian military gave this information on Saturday, September 13.

This oil refinery was on Ukraine’s target for long

The attack was carried out on the Kirishi refinery located in the northwestern Leningrad region of Russia. This is the same refinery, which Ukraine has been trying to hit in the series of attacks on Russian oil infrastructure for the past several weeks. Ukraine says that oil supply is strengthening Russia’s war capability, so such facilities are being targeted.

This refinery produces about 17.7 million metric tons or about 3.55 lakh barrels of crude oil every year. According to the General Staff of Ukraine, several explosions and fires were reported there. He also shared a picture, in which flames and clouds of smoke are visible in the darkness of the night.

Hit by drones

Leningrad Region Governor Alexander Dozdenko said three drones were shot down in the Kirishi area, but their burning debris caused a fire at the refinery. He said no one was injured in the incident and the fire has been brought under control.

Oil crisis in Russia; might stop export

Russian officials have not yet commented. Russia is the world’s second-largest oil exporter. But in recent weeks, rising demand for petrol and Ukraine’s frequent drone attacks have led to a shortage of petrol in many parts of the country. Petrol pumps have become completely empty in some areas. People are standing in long lines and officials have had to take measures like limiting or stopping petrol sales.

To deal with this crisis, Russia has decided to stop petrol exports. On Wednesday, officials announced that petrol exports would be completely stopped till September 30 and partial restrictions on traders and intermediaries would remain in place till October 31. It remains to be seen how India will cope with this crisis as India is importing a major chunk of oil from Russia.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ukraine’s drones have hit Russia’s largest oil refinery, putting it on fire.
• The attack was carried out on the Kirishi refinery located in the northwestern Leningrad region of Russia.
• Ukraine has been trying to hit this refinery for a long time in the series of attacks on Russian oil infrastructure.
• Ukraine says that oil supply is strengthening Russia’s war capability, so such targets are being hit.

Russia is the world’s second-largest oil exporter. But in recent weeks, rising demand for petrol and Ukraine’s frequent drone attacks have led to a shortage of petrol in many parts of the country. To deal with this crisis, Russia has decided to stop petrol exports.