Russian Refineries Increase Output After Drone Attacks Cease

In the second half of October, Russian oil refineries lifted crude processing by roughly 25 % compared with the start of the month, reaching about 5 million barrels per day. The surge followed the abrupt halt of weekly Ukrainian drone strikes that had plagued the sector since mid-March. The last recorded attacks on Russian plants in Ryazan and Surgut occurred in mid-October, with no further incidents reported after October 16.

Reuters

From March onward, Ukrainian drones repeatedly targeted Russian refineries, prompting domestic fuel shortages. In response, Russian authorities imposed bans on gasoline, jet fuel, and diesel exports and began importing refined products by sea. Diplomatic activity in early October, led by Washington, revived peace talks between Moscow and Kyiv and secured a diesel-supply agreement with Russia. Days after the deal, U.S. President Donald Trump announced an “energy ceasefire” on October 11, after which the drone campaign largely stopped.

Reuters

Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak explained that the rapid return of processing capacity was possible because most required oil- and gas-equipment is produced domestically. President Trump’s October 11 proclamation framed the cessation of attacks as part of an “energy ceasefire” aimed at stabilizing fuel markets for both nations.

Reuters

Three industry sources, speaking anonymously to Reuters, estimated that diesel output rose by at least 50,000 metric tons per day in October, reaching 225,000 tons per day (about 1.7 million barrels per day). Of this, roughly 80,000 tons per day were deemed available for export under the new U.S.-brokered arrangement. The overall increase in refinery throughput and diesel production reflects the combined effect of the ceasefire and the resumption of previously idle processing units.

Reuters