Energy expert Omelchenko reveals how many Russian refineries need to be destroyed to trigger crisis

He shared his opinions with Espreso TV.

"There are over 30 large oil refineries in Russia. Their total capacity is 330 million tons. Of all these refineries, more than 70% are located in the European part of Russia. Ukraine attacked 13 refineries, 9 of them were damaged. The damage is quite significant. For example, the Kstovo refinery, as well as the Ryazan refinery, have been seriously damaged. That is, Ukraine has ‘helped’ Russia to lose over 14% of its refinery capacities," Omelchenko explained.

The expert noted that there is a certain shortage of oil products in Russia.

"Following Ukraine's attacks on Russian refineries, Russia has a certain shortage of gasoline. Russia produces over 45 million tons of gasoline and consumes 38 million. As for diesel, they are in a better situation. Since they produce over 80 million tons and consume 40 million, they do not have any major problems with diesel fuel. Therefore, we should not have any illusions that Russia will have a fuel crisis now. However, in order for Russia to reach the point of no return, it is necessary to destroy 3-4 refineries every month. Only under such conditions can Russia face a global oil crisis," he added.

• On the morning of April 2, the authorities of the Russian republic of Tatarstan, located more than 1,000 kilometers from Ukraine, reported a drone attack on businesses in Elabuga and Nizhnekamsk, allegedly resulting in casualties. Later, it was confirmed that the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry had attacked a plant for the assembly of Russian Shahed-136/131 strike UAVs and an oil refinery in Nizhnekamsk.
• The day before, Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov said that in 2024 Ukraine increased the production of long-range strike drones tenfold compared to last year. Ukraine now has drones that can fly over 1000 km.
• On April 4, a NATO official told Reuters on condition of anonymity that strikes on Russian oil refineries could have disabled over 15% of Russia's production capacity.