Fire at Key Rostov Oil Refinery Put Out After Week-Long Battle Following Ukrainian Drone Attack

Authorities in the Rostov region of southern Russia reported that a significant fire at the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery was extinguished early Tuesday morning, nearly a week after the facility was set ablaze by a Ukrainian drone attack.

The refinery, which primarily serves to export fuel, was struck on Thursday night. Firefighting crews worked tirelessly for several days to control the flames, using a substantial amount of water, which led to shortages in nearby communities until the water supply was restored on Monday.

«I’ve just been informed that the fire at the Novoshakhtinsk oil plant was put out at 5:45 a.m.,» acting Rostov Governor Yuri Slyusar stated on Telegram.

Novoshakhtinsk, which has the capability to process 110,000 barrels of oil per day (equivalent to 5 million metric tons), is regarded as one of the key oil refineries in southern Russia. Situated about 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) from the Ukrainian border, it frequently becomes a target for drone strikes.

Recent Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries have driven wholesale gasoline prices to unprecedented levels and caused shortages, especially during the peak season when demand surges due to farmers and tourists.

According to estimates by Reuters, around 17% of Russia’s refining capacity, or approximately 1.1 million barrels per day, has been affected.

In addition, Governor Slyusar reported that overnight drone strikes from Ukraine caused damage to homes within the Rostov region, although there were no reported casualties or injuries.

The Ministry of Defense of Russia stated that its air defense systems intercepted eight drones over the Rostov area on Monday night, with an additional drone being downed overnight.