FSUOGM: Repairs at Nizhny Novgorod refinery to continue for several more months

Unplanned repairs at Lukoil’s 365,000 barrel per day (bpd) refinery in Nizhny Novgorod are expected to drag on for several more months, Russian Energy Minister Nikolai Shulginov told reporters on February 20.

Lukoil was forced to completely shut down one of the plant’s two catalytic cracking units used for producing gasoline in January, Kommersant previously reported, citing sources. This led to the plant halving its gasoline production, putting a strain on Russian fuel supply and prompting the government to extend a ban on gasoline exports.

According to Kommersant, foreign-obtained compressor equipment broke down at the cracking unit, and cannot be replaced in the near future as a result of Western sanctions. Lukoil aims to complete the necessary repairs by spring, the newspaper reported.

Ukraine has launched a wave of drone strikes against Russian refineries in recent months, leading the country to significantly cut its petroleum product exports. The problems at Lukoil’s Nizhny Novgorod plant have further reduced fuel supply.

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