Russian Ports Halt Operations as Drone Attacks Disrupt Oil and Grain Terminals

Russian ports are experiencing significant disruptions, with oil and grain terminals ceasing operations following a surge in Ukrainian drone attacks. The Sheskharis oil terminal in Novorossiysk suspended crude oil loading onto tankers four days ago, a move attributed to escalating Ukrainian drone assaults. This halt has paralyzed approximately one-fifth of Russia's daily oil exports.

According to shipping data and satellite imagery, the suspension is unlikely due to adverse weather conditions. The port's closure occurred shortly after a rise in Ukrainian attacks targeting vessels in the Black and Azov Seas. Earlier this week, drone attacks also prevented tankers from loading oil at the nearby Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) terminal, which exports 80% of Kazakhstan's oil. This led Kazakhstan to begin a forced reduction in its oil production.

The shutdown of oil terminals is deepening Russia's fuel crisis. The country is increasingly reliant on imported petroleum products, with supplies primarily directed to the Moscow region. Imports from India and Kazakhstan are crucial, but the attacks on CPC have already reduced Kazakh exports, and India is also scaling back Russian orders. Even refineries with Russian state involvement are struggling to offload oil due to the lack of operational terminals.

Beyond the energy sector, the attacks on Novorossiysk have implications for the global grain market. Novorossiysk handles about one-third of Russia's total grain exports. This disruption comes as Russia itself has been attacking Ukrainian grain transports, paralyzing exports and driving up prices on global grain exchanges.

“

Moscow and the Central Federal District are fully supported to show a good image externally, as if there are no queues. In other regions, there are no petroleum products, not even for emergency services – ambulance or Interior Ministry.