April 22 (Reuters) – A large number of Russian firefighters battled a blaze at a Tuapse oil refinery on the Black Sea for a third day on Wednesday following a Ukrainian drone strike, with officials saying the city’s air quality had deteriorated sharply.
Two industry sources said on Tuesday that the Tuapse refinery, which exports most of its products, had ceased operations after the April 16 attack.
“Firefighting operations have entered their third day after a fire broke out at the Tuapse pier following a drone attack by the Kiev regime,” the headquarters of Russia’s southern Krasnodar region said on Wednesday.
The headquarters said that 276 firefighters and 77 vehicles have been dispatched to participate in the operation.
By-products of the fire were said to have mixed with rainfall, creating a “black coating” in the area around the terminal.
Atmospheric readings showed concentrations of benzene, xylene and soot two to three times higher than allowed levels, the report said, urging residents to stay indoors, close windows and wipe down surfaces.
“Once the fire is extinguished, the situation will return to normal,” the statement said.
As the United States brokers peace talks to halt the conflict with Russia, Ukraine has increased attacks on Russian energy infrastructure and shifted its focus to the war with Iran.
According to Russian officials, attacks on the city of Tuapse on April 16 and April 20 damaged the port’s transportation infrastructure and caused oil products warehouses to catch fire.
(Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Kim Coghill)
