Drone Strike Sparks Fire at Oil Refinery Tanks Near Tuapse

Drones hit a Russian oil refinery in Tuapse, Krasnodar Krai, overnight on April 16, causing oil storage tanks at the site to catch fire.

Astra reported the incident, with the Exilenova+ Telegram channel sharing photos and videos of the aftermath.

The regional governor confirmed the attack, while local residents said on social media that they heard numerous explosions.

By morning, local authorities announced that classes had been canceled for the day in all educational institutions in Tuapse.

At Krasnodar airport, temporary restrictions were introduced on takeoffs and landings due to drones in the sky.

Tuapse Oil Refinery

The Tuapse oil refinery, which was attacked overnight, is part of a single production complex together with the company’s marine terminal, operated by RN-Tuapse Marine Terminal LLC.

It is one of the largest oil refineries in Russia, specializing in primary oil processing. It is part of the structure of the oil company Rosneft.

The facility has an oil processing capacity of about 12 million tons per year. Its main products include petroleum distillates, fuel oil, diesel fuel, and aviation kerosene, with around 90% exported.

Other Strikes

The day before, Ukrainian Liutyi drones attacked a Russian petrochemical plant in the city of Sterlitamak, in Bashkortostan.

A fire broke out on the facility’s grounds, sending thick black smoke into the air, which local residents observed.

On the same day, attack drones reached a chemical facility in Cherepovets, Vologda region, Russia.

The strike hit the plant’s ammonia production units, triggering a fire at the facility.