Fire at Kirishi Refinery Disrupts 40% of Operations, Impacting European Fuel Supply
A fire at the Kirishi Refinery in Russia, caused by a technical malfunction during maintenance, has led to significant disruptions in the facility's operations. The incident, which occurred on October 4, 2025, has shut down the refinery's largest crude distillation unit, known as CDU-6. This attack is part of a strategic campaign targeting Russian energy infrastructure, with previous strikes in March and September causing varying degrees of damage.
The damaged CDU-6 unit processes 160,000 barrels of crude oil daily, contributing to about 40% of the refinery's total capacity. The Kirishi refinery, operated by Surgutneftegaz, produces high-quality diesel, jet fuel, and other petroleum products, accounting for approximately 6.6% of Russia's total refining capacity. The attack has immediate and far-reaching effects, compounded by a simultaneous Ukrainian drone strike on the Feodosia oil terminal in Russian-occupied Crimea.
Repair timelines for the CDU-6 unit are estimated at around one month, significantly impacting European fuel supply chains. These chains face several vulnerabilities, including continued dependency on Russian-origin refined products, limited buffer capacity, seasonal timing, and logistical constraints. Market reactions have been pronounced, with diesel futures experiencing immediate upward pressure and refining margins for diesel production increasing across European facilities.
The recent attack on the Kirishi refinery highlights the strategic importance of energy infrastructure in modern conflicts. As repairs continue, the refinery is operating at approximately 70% of normal capacity. The incident serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of global energy markets and the potential disruptions that can arise from targeted attacks on critical infrastructure.