Ukrainian drone strike fully halts oil refinery in Russia's Orsk, repairs may take up to six months

Orenburg region Governor Yevgeny Solntsev said that a Ukrainian drone strike has knocked the oil refinery in Orsk completely out of operation. According to him, debris from the strike damaged key infrastructure that cannot currently be repaired.

Solntsev noted that the plant relies heavily on imported equipment, making replacement difficult under the current scope of international sanctions. He estimated that repairs could take up to six months, and said the region is preparing for the worst-case outcome.

Fuel supply being reorganized

The governor explained that the region will now depend on fuel brought in from other areas, and that logistics chains are already being restructured. Of the region's 287 gas stations, about 80% remain operational. Solntsev noted that fuel supply is currently being prioritized for special-purpose vehicles. He acknowledged that the situation at gas stations varies by location but described it overall as manageable.

Strike occurred on August 11

Drones struck the Orsk oil refinery in the early hours of August 11. Ukrainian monitoring channels reported that the attack hit the main refining unit at the Orsknefteorgsintez plant.

In recent months, Ukraine's armed forces have carried out repeated strikes on Russian oil facilities, contributing to a fuel crisis across the country marked by rising prices, shortages, and lengthy lines at gas stations.