Russian oil refineries have boosted their daily throughput by roughly 5 percent in June, reaching about 750,000 barrels per day. The rise follows the completion of a substantial portion of preventive maintenance at key facilities, with the bulk of repair work occurring in May. Industry insiders say that the lull in maintenance has allowed refineries to push more crude through processing units and increase fuel production. At the same time, expectations of lower gasoline prices did not materialize, as the price for AI-95 on trading platforms repeatedly hit record highs due to stronger export netbacks amid a softer ruble.
Market sources told reporters that gasoline markets could tighten if oil supply remains restrained, with estimates suggesting a decline in daily crude output of about 500,000 barrels since August. Yet several analysts caution that new rounds of refinery repairs slated for August could again pressure fuel supplies. The balance of supply and demand will depend on how quickly plants can restore and possibly expand production while maintaining stockpiles to prevent shortages in the market.
Analysts anticipate a robust uptick in refinery activity through July as most major plants operate near or at full capacity. Looking toward August and September, ongoing and planned maintenance will require operators to accumulate ample fuel stocks to support reliable supply chains and to dampen price volatility. The July period is expected to bring additional improvements in processing efficiency and product yields, though the August maintenance cycle could temper those gains if throughput is interrupted at several facilities.
On June 26, TASS cited AC TEK materials to indicate that Russian refineries may raise gasoline production to about 49 million tons by 2030, a projection underscoring a continued push to expand capacity and maximize throughput across the sector. Earlier reports highlighted that Russia had surpassed early-season indicators for oil refining, reinforcing expectations of stronger domestic output while keeping a careful eye on international demand and price dynamics that influence export opportunities and ruble-related economics.
In summary, the Russian refining sector has shown resilience in mid-year performance, supported by completed preventive work, favorable processing conditions, and deliberate stock-building designed to sustain steady supply into autumn. As the industry navigates the August repair schedule and contemplates potential shifts in global demand, the emphasis remains on maintaining a stable flow of gasoline and other fuels while pursuing efficiency gains and output expansion where feasible. The market will continue to monitor input costs, refinery utilization rates, and the impact of currency movements on export competitiveness, all of which shape the trajectory of gasoline production in the months ahead. [Citation: TASS via AC TEK materials]