Exilenova+: Drones strike major methanol producer in Russia’s Perm Krai

Drones attacked PJSC Metafrax Chemicals, one of Russia and Europe’s largest methanol producers, in Gubakha, Perm Krai, on September 11.

According to Exilenova+, the company is considered an important component of Russia’s military-industrial supply chain due to the chemical products it manufactures.

Metafrax produces methanol, hexamine, urea, pentaerythritol and other chemical products. Some of these substances are used as raw materials or components in the production of explosives, ammunition and other military-related materials.

Hexamine and pentaerythritol, in particular, are used in chemical processes associated with the production of explosive materials, making the facility strategically significant to Russia’s defence-industrial sector.

Metafrax Chemicals is also among the largest methanol producers in Russia and Europe. The company sold approximately 750,000 tons of methanol in 2024.

The reported attack could therefore have implications beyond Russia’s chemical industry, potentially affecting supplies of chemical feedstocks used in the production of explosives and other military-related products.

The extent of any damage to the company’s production facilities has yet to be established.

By Vafa Guliyeva