Syzran refinery is on fire again in Russia: what is known about the attack and its consequences
5 December 07:54
The Syzran oil refinery in the Samara region of Russia has caught fire again after a nighttime air attack. According to Russian sources, a series of explosions were heard in the city before the fire, and locals reported air defense operations, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
What happened at night
On the night of December 5, residents of Syzran heard 5-7 explosions, sirens and the sound of shooting. Local telegram channels reported that Russian air defense tried to shoot down drones that were attacking industrial facilities.
After the explosions, a powerful column of fire and smoke rose over the Syzran refinery.
Russian official agencies traditionally remain silent or do not provide details on the extent of the damage.
What facility was attacked
The Syzran refinery belongs to Rosneft and processes 8.5-8.9 million tons of oil annually.
The refinery produces
- gasoline
- diesel fuel
- aviation kerosene
- fuel oil
- bitumen
- other petroleum products
This refinery is one of the key refineries in the Volga region and one of the most frequently attacked energy facilities in Russia in 2024-2025. It has already burned several times after strikes that Russians attributed to drones.
Has the drone attack been confirmed?
There is no official confirmation, but:
- locals heard a series of explosions;
- air defense activity was recorded;
- the fire started immediately after the strikes.
Russian sources suggest that the attack was carried out by long-range drones, but do not rule out the possibility of a missile strike.
A series of strikes on Russian fuel infrastructure
The Syzran refinery is not an isolated incident. In the late fall, Russian oil depots and refineries were repeatedly targeted:
- Lukoil’s tank farm in Voronezh Oblast – a fuel tank was damaged.
- “The Dmitrievskaya oil depot in Tambov region caught fire after a drone fell.
- Oil depot in Livny, Oryol region – fire in at least two tanks.
Systematic attacks on Russian oil refining facilities significantly complicate the logistics of fuel within the country and undermine defense capabilities, as fuel is directly related to military operations.
Why the Syzran refinery is important
- The strategic facility is one of the largest in the region.
- It supplies fuel for transportation and industry in central Russia.
- Russia has already lost its capacity due to previous attacks – each fire reduces the ability to quickly restore production.
- It also affectsthe logistics of the war – a decrease in fuel supplies affects the mobility of the army.
