(Moscow) – LUKOIL’s Nizhny Novgorod refinery in Russia has been shut down since November 13, 2024, due to a failure in one of its catalytic cracking units. The shutdown follows a previous attack on the facility by Ukrainian drones in March.
Russia’s largest refinery, LUKOIL’s Nizhny Novgorod facility ceased operations on November 13, 2024, following a malfunction in one of its catalytic cracking units. According to sources from Reuters, this technical failure has led to a disruption in the refinery’s processing capabilities. The Nizhny Novgorod refinery, officially known as “LUKOIL-Nizhneorgsintez,” is one of the largest oil refining operations in Russia, with a production capacity of 17 million tons per year. It produces more than 50 different types of petroleum products, including automotive and aviation fuels.
The refinery has been a key part of Russia’s energy infrastructure, but it has now come to a halt due to a critical breakdown. The facility, which plays a crucial role in processing raw oil into various refined products, is expected to remain offline until the issues with the catalytic cracking unit are resolved. This failure has left the refinery unable to meet its regular output, which could have significant consequences for Russia’s fuel production and supply chain, particularly with winter approaching.
This latest shutdown follows a previous incident in March 2024 when the refinery was struck by Ukrainian drones. The attack caused significant damage, and the results of the strike are believed to have contributed to the facility’s current problems. Ukrainian drone operations have increasingly targeted Russian energy infrastructure as part of a broader strategy to disrupt supply lines and weaken Russia’s war effort. The Nizhny Novgorod refinery, a strategic asset, has now been affected twice within the span of a year.
Despite the technical nature of the breakdown, the broader context of the refinery’s vulnerability to such attacks raises concerns about the security of Russian industrial sites. The loss of production capacity at this key facility could further strain Russia’s energy sector, which is already under pressure from sanctions and military conflicts.
As of now, it is unclear when the refinery will resume operations, and Russian authorities have not provided a timeline for repairs. However, the incident highlights the growing impact of Ukraine’s drone strikes on Russia’s industrial capabilities, as well as the vulnerabilities in Russia’s energy sector.
| Key Details | Location | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| LUKOIL Nizhny Novgorod Refinery Shutdown | Nizhny Novgorod, Russia | Operational halt due to malfunctioning catalytic cracking unit. |
| Production Capacity | Nizhny Novgorod Refinery | 17 million tons of oil processed annually; produces over 50 petroleum products. |
| Previous Strike | Nizhny Novgorod, Russia | Attacked by Ukrainian drones in March 2024, causing damage to the refinery. |
| Effect on Fuel Supply | Nizhny Novgorod, Russia | Potential disruption in the supply of automotive and aviation fuel. |
This is a developing story, and the full extent of the shutdown’s impact on Russia’s energy infrastructure remains to be seen.