In a statement released by the Governor of Astrakhan, Igor Babushkin, on February 5, 2025, residents of Astrakhan city were urged to remain calm after a natural gas cloud enveloped the area following an attack on a nearby gas processing plant. The gas leak, which raised concerns among locals, occurred after Ukrainian drone strikes targeted the facility earlier this week.
The Astrakhan Gas Processing Plant, one of the world’s largest gas chemical complexes, was attacked by Ukrainian drones, resulting in significant damage. The facility, located near the southern city of Astrakhan, processes millions of tons of gas condensate annually, producing motor fuels like gasoline, diesel, and fuel oil. The fire caused by the attack forced the temporary shutdown of the plant, including the cessation of some gas production activities. This, in turn, led to the release of gas into the atmosphere as specialists began the process of restarting the plant’s operations.
Governor Babushkin clarified that the cloud of gas visible over the city was a natural byproduct of restarting the plant’s production, particularly the flare-burning process. “This is not a cause for concern,” he reassured the residents. He further noted that experts were working on restarting the plant’s operations, which included reigniting some of the gas flares that had been extinguished during the shutdown. He emphasized that natural gas, when dispersed in open air, poses no significant health risks to people.
Babushkin also warned that similar situations might occur in the coming days as the plant returns to its normal operating mode. While some residents expressed frustration and humor on social media, many acknowledged the governor’s call for calm. The city, with a population of around 475,000, remains on alert, with the local weather service monitoring the situation and assuring citizens that the gas cloud is expected to dissipate shortly.
The attack on the Astrakhan Gas Processing Plant is part of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, which has caused significant disruption to the region’s industrial operations. Despite the severity of the situation, the governor’s message was clear: There is no immediate danger to residents, and the situation will stabilize once the plant resumes full production.
