Lukoil Units at NPZ Temporarily Halted Amid Incident, with Ongoing Recovery Efforts
Lukoil has temporarily suspended the operation of a unit at the Nizhny Novgorod Refinery, a pause confirmed by the company through its press service and reported by TASS. The interruption comes after an incident at the technological facility of LLC Lukoil-Nizhegorodnefteorgsintez, leading to a temporary halt of production. The company has stated that every available resource is being mobilized to restore normal operation as quickly as possible, reflecting a commitment to safety and continuity in its downstream operations.
The refinery stays focused on safety first, with teams evaluating the incident and implementing corrective measures to prevent recurrence. While work has paused, workers are continuing to monitor conditions, conduct inspections, and coordinate with maintenance and safety engineers to ensure a controlled restart once clearance is given by the relevant authorities. The situation remains under close review as the company prioritizes minimal disruption to supply chains and market obligations.
In a broader context, the organization reported that a fire associated with a process unit was extinguished at the end of the previous year, specifically on December 21. The incident underscored the importance of robust fire protection systems and rapid response protocols at large oil refining complexes, where the convergence of high-temperature processes, hydrocarbon handling, and extensive plant infrastructure requires vigilant risk management. The recent pause at NPZ is being treated as part of a continuum of safety improvements and operational resilience across Lukoil’s regional refining footprint.
Beyond the domestic scene, 2023 saw significant activity in hydrocarbon exploration and development within the Russian Federation. A total of 30 hydrocarbon fields were disclosed during the year, with the most substantial discoveries located on the Caspian Sea shelf and in the Orenburg region. Among these, a notable deposit named after Russian energy figure Mikhail Maganov was identified on the Caspian shelf, with reserves exceeding 8 million tonnes of oil and 136 billion cubic meters of gas. This discovery highlights ongoing efforts to expand resource base and strengthen energy security through enhanced offshore and onshore exploration and development programs conducted by Lukoil and its partners.
Earlier, there were discussions in Bulgaria regarding reducing dependence on Russian oil sourced from the Lukoil plant. The regional debate reflected broader questions about energy sourcing, diversification of suppliers, and the implications for European energy markets in light of evolving geopolitical and economic considerations. Lukoil continues to engage with international markets and regulators as it prioritizes safe operations, environmental stewardship, and transparent communications about refinery activities and strategic developments.