Three crucial oil and gas pipelines in Russia have been forced to shut down following a series of explosions on September 8, according to Ukrainian military intelligence sources.
The Kyiv Independent revealed that the primary oil pipeline in Penza, boasting a capacity of two million barrels daily, alongside a regional gas pipeline, were knocked out of action. However, the cause behind the blasts remains shrouded in mystery.
At least four explosions echoed through the Zheleznodorozhny city district of Penza at approximately 4:00 am, the source revealed to the publication. The news comes as Russian strike kills more than 20 Ukrainian civilians queuing up to cash pensions.
A further major pipeline in Saratov Oblast was obliterated, the source confirmed, reports the Express US.
The Kuibyshev-Lysychansk route, which supplied fuel to Russian forces, was completely destroyed.
This particular pipeline boasted an annual capacity of 82 million tons.
The incident represents the third Russian oil and gas facility to be crippled within a 24-hour period, the source disclosed.
This development coincides with Ukraine intensifying its long-range drone offensive, systematically targeting Russia’s energy infrastructure and triggering fuel shortages across the nation.
Transneft Druzhba, Russia’s state-controlled pipeline operator, had been conducting “planned exercises” at oil and gas installations on September 8, local media outlets reported.
These exercises were undertaken in collaboration with emergency services and special authorities.
Russian officials urged citizens to “remain calm and trust only verified sources of information.”
Penza is situated roughly 330 miles from the Russia-Ukraine border and about 335 miles southwest of Moscow. On 9 September, flights at Saratov Airport were temporarily halted due to fears of further drone attacks.
In August, there was a similar incident when an unexplained explosion sparked a fire at the Ryazan-Moscow oil pipeline, a crucial supply route for petroleum products to the Russian capital.
Throughout the ongoing war, Ukraine has consistently targeted Russia’s energy infrastructure through sabotage operations and drone strikes.
In the last month alone, drones have struck approximately 67,000 targets, including 60 strategic industrial and military facilities as part of the “Deep Strike” operation.