Drones hit Russian ports as oil exports halted

Two of Russia's largest Baltic oil export hubs have suspended shipments after drone attacks, adding to pressure on global energy supplies already strained by tensions in the Middle East.

Exports of crude oil and fuel from the ports of Primorsk and Ust-Luga have been halted since Sunday, according to reports. The disruption comes as markets grapple with a shortage triggered in part by Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Alexander Drozdenko, governor of the Leningrad region, said several fuel storage facilities were set ablaze in the attack on Primorsk, but did not address the suspension of exports. It remains unclear whether Ust-Luga sustained any damage.

Pipeline operator Transneft, which runs both ports, did not respond to requests for comment.

Primorsk is a key outlet for Russian oil, with capacity to export more than 1 million barrels per day, including Urals crude oil and diesel. Ust-Luga handles around 700,000 barrels daily and last year exported 32.9 million tonnes of oil products, while Primorsk exported 16.8 million tonnes.

Ukraine has repeatedly targeted Russian energy infrastructure in an effort to weaken Moscow's war economy, but has not commented on the latest attacks. Similar disruptions were reported at Primorsk in September and at the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk earlier this month.

(reuters, max)