Perm gas stations face shortages after refinery drone attack

Massive queues have formed at gas stations in Perm, Russia, following the suspension of operations at the LUKOIL-Permnefteorgsintez (PNOS) refinery. The facility, one of the country’s most technologically advanced refineries with an annual capacity of 13.1 million tons, reportedly halted activities after a Ukrainian drone attack on August 21.

Local residents have reported waiting up to five hours for fuel, with some describing the situation as frightening. In response to the shortage, the regional gas station network NeftehimProm has halved the maximum allowable purchase limit from 80 liters to 40 liters per customer.

The PNOS refinery is a critical industrial asset for the region, supplying both domestic and export markets. It has been the target of repeated drone strikes, with previous damage reported at the AVT-4 and AVT-5 installations.