Reuters: Ukrainian drones knocked out a major Russian oil refinery in Perm for the second time this year
The oil refinery in Perm has halted operations following a Ukrainian drone attack, two industry sources told Reuters. The sources said repairs could take up to two weeks.
Ukrainian forces struck Perm with drones on the morning of August 21. Journalists later reported smoke rising over the Lukoil-Permnefteorgsintez plant. The sources confirmed to Reuters that the attack caused a fire at the refinery.
One of the plant’s primary crude distillation units, which accounts for about 40% of the refinery’s capacity, has been shut down, according to Reuters. A second primary unit, which accounts for 34% of capacity, has been idle since July 29, the sources said.
Ukrainian drones have struck the Perm refinery several times since the spring of 2026. In early May, the plant had already halted operations indefinitely.
Permnefteorgsintez is one of Russia’s largest oil refineries. It ranks seventh in the country by refining volume, according to Reuters.
Repeated Ukrainian strikes on oil industry facilities have kept Russia in a fuel crisis all summer. A new wave of the crisis began in mid-August: gasoline prices are rising, and regions across the country are imposing limits on sales.
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