Ukrainian drone hits oil tank in Moscow, sparking massive fire

Ukrainian drone hits oil tank near Moscow: massive fire and flight cancellations

How much damage can a single drone inflict on the energy infrastructure of a superpower? Answer: quite a lot. An oil storage tank on the outskirts of Moscow has exploded after being hit by a drone, sparking a massive fire that forced the cancellation of hundreds of flights at the Russian capital's airports. Footage shows a column of black smoke visible for kilometres, and witnesses say the tank's lid was blown off by the blast.

The hole in Russia's energy strategy

The attack is not an isolated incident. Ukraine has been striking Russian oil and petrochemical infrastructure with precision for months, from refineries to pipelines. The paradox is that Russia, one of the world's largest crude producers, is starting to consider importing petrol, according to Reuters. Industry sources point out that the problem is not just petrol but diesel, whose shortage worsens with every new strike. It is estimated that it would take around 70 days to restore normal supply even if the attacks stopped today.

The knock-on effect on Spanish wallets

Meanwhile, in Spain, the end of extraordinary tax measures on 1 July threatens to send fuel prices soaring. The industry expects an increase of between 30 and 40 cents per litre, just as the summer holidays begin. The irony is hard to ignore: an oil tank explodes in Moscow and petrol prices rise in Madrid.

Russia's retaliation, for its part, was not long in coming: that same night, Russian missiles hit residential buildings in Ukraine, killing at least 20 civilians. The war continues its spiral, and its effects are felt everywhere from the cinema box office to the petrol pump.