Ukrainian forces rendered 15 of 38 main Russian oil refineries inoperable

Ukrainian military intelligence has reported that as of late September 2026, out of 38 main Russian oil refineries, 15 have been rendered inoperable, while another 12 have reduced their oil product output.

Source: Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU)

Details: DIU notes that this resulted in total oil refining volumes at these companies decreased by 55.4% compared to the beginning of the year.

The most difficult situation for the Russians has developed in the Volga, Central and Southern federal districts, where due to the shutdown of oil refining companies, the capacities of Slavneft-YANOS, Kirishineftegazsintez, Ryazan Oil Refinery, Gazpromneft-Moscow Oil Refinery and Lukoil-Permnefteorgsintez have suffered.

The combined share of these companies constitutes around 33% of total oil refining volumes in Russia.

Meanwhile, oil refineries located in remote regions of Russia continue to operate. Among them are Gazpromneft-Omsk Oil Refinery, Achinsk Refinery, Neftekhimservis, NNK-Khabarovsk Oil Refinery, Mariysky Oil Refinery and Vaninsky Oil Refinery.

In September 2026, the total volume of oil refining at these companies amounted to 906,000 barrels per day – 147,000 barrels more than at the beginning of the year. Thus, these oil refineries accounted for around 24% of all oil refining in Russia.

The operation of remote companies allows the Kremlin to temporarily compensate for fuel shortages. However, the capabilities for such substitution are limited by the geographical location of the companies. The intelligence asserts that the delivery of oil products is complicated due to a shortage of railway rolling stock and road tankers.

DIU data shows production volumes at these oil refineries may drop in 2027 due to the postponement of maintenance work planned for this year to that period.

Quote: "Precise strikes by the Defence Forces of Ukraine on facilities of the Russian oil sector have inflicted damage exceeding US$23.2 billion on the aggressor state's economy. This almost equals the total revenue of this industry for 2025, which amounted to US$26.6 billion…

Despite attempts to redistribute the load among surviving companies, Russia is unable to fully meet its own needs in oil products while simultaneously fulfilling export commitments.

Moreover, the Russians have begun importing fuel from other countries using 'grey schemes' to bypass international sanctions."

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