Ukrainian Forces Strike Saratov Oil Refinery, Disrupting Russian Fuel Supply

The General Staff confirmed damage to the Saratov oil refinery on the night of September 16, 2025. General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine / Telegram

In the early hours of September 16, units of the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ Special Operations Forces, in coordination with other defense units, carried out an attack on the Saratov oil refinery. The information is confirmed by the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

According to the General Staff, explosions and a fire were recorded in the area of the facility. The extent of the damage is being clarified.

Explosions and a fire were recorded in the area of the facility. The extent of the damage is being clarified.

The Saratov Refinery specializes in producing gasoline, diesel fuel, fuel oil, as well as various grades of bitumen, vacuum gasoil, and technical sulfur. In total, the plant produces more than 20 types of petroleum products.

In 2023, throughput was about 4.8 million tonnes. The plant plays a role in supplying fuel to meet the needs of the Russian armed forces and other consumers.

Significance of the facility and possible consequences

The plant is a critical piece of the region’s infrastructure, its operation directly affecting fuel supplies to both civilian and military sectors of Russia.

The strike on the refinery could lead to a restructuring of logistics chains and affect the fuel market in the southern region of the country, increasing pressure on supply and prices.

Authorities are still clarifying the extent of the damage and potential consequences for the production and transportation of petroleum products.