Story perspectives

Moscow refinery AVT-6 offline after drone attacks, cutting 53%

By Drooid · Sep 25, 2026, 6:09 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Moscow Refinery Offline

The AVT-6 unit at Moscow’s main refinery is offline, removing 53% capacity and 21,400 tonnes daily crude processing.
The shutdown follows recent drone attacks on Russian refineries, worsening nationwide fuel-logistics challenges.
Fuel from the plant has not appeared on the St. Petersburg International Mercantile Exchange since Sept 21.
Repairs could take several weeks, extending Moscow’s gasoline and diesel supply gap and risking local shortages.

Summary

Ukrainian Forces Strike Refinery

Ukrainian forces struck the Kuibyshev Oil Refinery in Samara on 21–22 September 2026.
The strike caused fire and thick black smoke, verified by OSINT and Ukrainian media.
Russian air defenses downed dozens of drones over Samara.
The Defence Ministry said 297 drones were intercepted nationwide.
Samara reported no casualties, while Moscow attacks on 20 September killed three and forced 400 evacuations.

History

Historical Context

Ukraine’s first few drone strikes on Russian oil sites appeared in early 2022, but the campaign surged in 2024-2025, hitting Ryazan and other refineries and cutting Russian refining by nearly a fifth. By July 2026 the Ukrainian-led drone offensive had disabled about 43 % of Russia’s oil-refining capacity, prompting nationwide fuel rationing.

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Moscow Refinery Offline

The AVT-6 unit at Moscow’s main refinery is offline, removing 53% capacity and 21,400 tonnes daily crude processing.
The shutdown follows recent drone attacks on Russian refineries, worsening nationwide fuel-logistics challenges.
Fuel from the plant has not appeared on the St. Petersburg International Mercantile Exchange since Sept 21.
Repairs could take several weeks, extending Moscow’s gasoline and diesel supply gap and risking local shortages.

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