Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil infrastructure have reached their highest intensity since December 2025, resulting in a sharp decline in refining capacity. According to a report released Thursday, April 30, by Bloomberg, oil refining has dropped to 4.69 million barrels per day, the lowest level recorded since December 2009.
April Campaign and Strategic Shifts
During the month of April, at least 21 Ukrainian attacks targeted Russian oil refineries, pipeline infrastructure, and maritime facilities, including export terminals. At least nine refineries were hit during these raids, with five of those plants forced to partially or fully halt production.
Reports indicate a strategic return to the use of repeat strikes against refineries. This approach is designed to maximize physical damage and create complications that hinder rapid repair efforts.
Damage Assessment at Tuapse Refinery
The Tuapse refinery in the Krasnodar Krai has become a primary target, having been attacked at least nine times since 2022. In April, the facility was hit twice, with the first drone strike recorded on April 16 and a second following on April 20.
An analysis by the Ukrainian OSINT project “Oko Gora ✙ News and Analytics” on April 26 revealed extensive damage. The project reported that 24 reservoirs (52%) were destroyed and four others (9%) were damaged, meaning 61% of the reservoirs may soon be non-functional.
Beyond storage, the damage extended to technological pipelines, piping units, pumping stations, and a railway oil loading rack. These combined strikes on maritime transshipment ports have pushed Russian sea-borne oil exports to their lowest levels since summer 2024.
Potential Implications
Given the current trend, further repeat strikes could lead to more prolonged outages at the remaining functional refineries. If maritime terminals continue to be targeted, sea-borne export volumes may remain at these suppressed levels or potentially decline further.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many refineries were affected in April?
At least nine refineries were hit, and five of them had to stop production either partially or completely.
What is the status of the Tuapse refinery?
According to OSINT data, 61% of the reservoirs are expected to be non-functional, with 24 destroyed and four damaged. The facility has been attacked at least nine times since 2022.
What is the current state of Russian oil refining?
Refining has decreased to 4.69 million barrels per day, which is the lowest level since December 2009.
How will the continued targeting of energy infrastructure affect global energy stability in the coming months?
