Astrakhan Gas Processing Plant Halts Fuel Production After Drone Strike

The Russian Astrakhan Gas Processing Plant suspended motor fuel production on September 22 following a drone strike.

Reuters reported on this, citing industry sources.

According to their information, a condensate processing unit with an annual capacity of 3 million metric tons – which produces gasoline and diesel fuel – caught fire.

The resumption of motor fuel production could take anywhere from several weeks to several months, according to sources.

On September 22, Igor Babushkin, the Governor of the Astrakhan Region, announced a Ukrainian drone attack on the region, stating that the main target was an “industrial facility.” He did not specify the name of the enterprise.

Reuters added that, as of Monday, the St. Petersburg Commodity Exchange has suspended the sale of wholesale fuel batches from the Astrakhan Gas Processing Plant.

The Telegram channel Exilenova+ published a satellite image showing the aftermath of the strike on this Russian facility by Ukrainian drones.

According to their observations, two locations were hit. These include, in particular, the plant’s production line, which produces gasoline, diesel fuel, fuel oil, and liquefied gases.

It is a key part of the facility responsible for converting gas condensate and light hydrocarbons into finished fuel and gases.

Also, a building located within the Production 1 area was hit, which is likely also involved in the plant’s operational processes.

The Astrakhan Gas Processing Plant, owned by Gazprom, is one of the largest gas-chemical complexes in the world. It is located near the Caspian Sea. The facility has previously been targeted by drone attacks.

According to industry sources, in 2024 the plant processed 1.8 million tonnes of stabilized condensate, producing 800,000 tonnes of gasoline, 600,000 tonnes of diesel fuel, and 300,000 tonnes of fuel oil.