War Has Turned Refineries Into Strategic Targets

Unlike previous energy crises driven primarily by supply shortages, today’s disruptions stem from attacks on the infrastructure that converts crude into finished products.

The Middle East remains the epicenter of the problem.

The conflict involving Iran has left major refineries across Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates operating at reduced capacity or temporarily offline. Although the Strait of Hormuz briefly reopened following a June ceasefire, renewed U.S.-Iran hostilities have once again disrupted one of the world’s most important energy corridors.

Russia has faced similar challenges.

Ukrainian drone strikes have repeatedly targeted Russian refineries, forcing Moscow to reduce diesel exports as it prioritizes domestic fuel supplies. The attacks have contributed to shortages inside Russia while reducing available exports to global markets.

Asia has also felt the impact.

China has reduced refinery runs due to declining crude imports during the Iran conflict, while several Asian refiners have been forced to scale back operations because of constrained feedstock supplies.

Collectively, these disruptions have significantly reduced the world’s ability to produce refined fuels even as crude remains available.

https://moderndiplomacy.eu/2026/07/20/is-the-world-facing-a-fuel-refining-crisis/