Diesel production in Russia has faced a significant decline, with estimates indicating that production of this fuel has dropped to about 30% below previous levels. This reduction in production is due to ongoing Ukrainian attacks on key diesel production facilities in Russia, which have specifically damaged six main production sites.
Ukrainian Attacks and Impact on Production Facilities
Ukrainian attacks on diesel production facilities in Russia have included strikes on crude and catalytic distillation units, which have directly affected the production process. For example, the Kirishi refinery, the largest diesel exporter, has been completely shut down following attacks on May 5 and August 30, and has not yet resumed production.
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The NORSI and Volgograd refineries are also operating at only 25% capacity due to attacks in July. Similarly, the Omsk and Tanko refineries in Tatarstan have also been affected by the attacks, leading to a severe reduction in their production.
Challenges in Diesel Exports and Fuel Supply
With the decrease in diesel production, Russia is facing serious challenges regarding exports and fuel supply in international markets. The Primorsk port, as the main diesel export port, has been significantly pressured due to Ukrainian attacks. Additionally, the ports of Vysotsk and Ust-Luga have also been temporarily utilized to compensate for shortages.
While diesel production in eastern Siberia remains relatively unscathed, the volume produced in these areas has also been insufficient and is rapidly increasing. Overall, due to repeated attacks and damage to key facilities, the amount of refined diesel reaching export ports has sharply decreased.
Experts believe that with the continuation of this trend and despite Russia's efforts to expedite repairs and reconstruction of facilities, the challenges facing diesel exports will persist seriously. This situation is likely to have profound effects on fuel supply in global markets, especially in the United States and North Africa.
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