MOSCOW: A Ukrainian long-range attack on a major Russian oil refinery has put the plant out of action for around six months, a Russian official said Thursday.

The shut-down could intensify a fuel crisis across Russia, where shortages and surging prices have frustrated drivers and businesses across the country in recent months.

Ukraine hit the refinery in Orsk — around 1,300 kilometres from the front line — earlier this week, triggering a massive fire at the site. Kyiv has been targeting Russia’s energy sites with drones and missiles for months, hoping to hit a vital source of revenue for the Russian army.

The governor of the Orenburg region, where the refinery is located, said it had been shut down and repairs would take months. “The equipment is imported, and given sanctions, repairs will take up to six months,” governor Yevgeny Solntsev said on social media.

“The plant has been completely shut down,” he added, warning: “We are preparing for the worst-case scenario.” The region will need to import fuel to cover any potential shortfall, he added. The Ukrainian strikes have triggered shortages across Russia in recent months.

Almost all regions at some point introduced limitations on commercial sales — capping volumes or rolling out other forms of rationing.

Officials reported the situation had begun to ease over recent weeks, but drivers in the capital Moscow said on Wednesday they were nervous about a fresh crisis.

Published in Dawn, August 14th, 2026