2024-04-11 06:53:07
An oil refinery in the Russian city of Orsk, which halted production after heavy flooding in the region, declared a fuel supply emergency effective April 8, according to a document released by owner Forteinvest seen by Reuters.
Russian oil refineries are currently experiencing problems due to Ukrainian drone strikes and for technical reasons, which led the country to ban gasoline exports (with certain exceptions) for half a year from March 1.
Forteinvest said the site was closed to avoid environmental risks and ensure the safety of employees. Last year, the refinery processed 4.5 million tons of oil.
Flooding has affected a number of cities in Russia and Kazakhstan this week after rivers in the region burst their banks, prompting the evacuation of 110,000 local residents.
Russia’s Energy Ministry said the state of emergency would not affect markets because most of the production facilities at the Orsk refinery had already been shut down before the floods for routine maintenance. From there they reported that only 0.1% of the planned April fuel production in Russia will be affected.
Separately, Forteinvest reported that the refinery in Orsk is still sending fuel from its reserves “for the needs of the region”, but warned that deliveries may be delayed, BTA writes.