This is the disturbing moment flames erupted from the largest oil refinery in Russia’s capital.
Footage circulating on social media shows a bright glow over Gazprom Neft, the oil arm of Russian gas giant Gazprom, which supplies half of Moscow’s fuel needs. Moments later, a large fire can be seen raging over multiple buildings, triggering an alarm.
Residents of the districts of Kapotnya, Maryino and Brateevo reportedglow in the sky at around 2.30am.
The incident came amid regular Ukrainian kamikaze drone strikes on Russia along with sabotage attacks linked to the war on energy and transport infrastructure. Government officials seek to hide such incidents, concealing how far Ukraine can reach in Russia.
But pro-Kremlin news outlet Shot reported the fire at the refinery, sharing videos and pictures.
The Ministry of Emergency Situations said ‘there are no active fires in Moscow’. Shot later deleted its report and video, fuelling suspicions it had been censored.
Gazprom Neft supplies 40% of Moscow’s gasoline needs and 50% of diesel fuel, and is also the main supplier of fuel for the capital’s airports.
Telegram channel Ostorozhno Moskva also shared evidence of the incident, but said it was due to planned work at the plant. It added: ‘An oil refinery torch frightened residents of south-east Moscow.
‘The glow was visible at night in different areas of the southeast of the capital. A column of fire rose from the chimney of the Kapotnya refinery; residents mistook the outbreak for a fire.
‘The flare was explained by planned work at the plant.’
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