Oil exports from Russia’s strategic Black Sea port of Novorossiysk were temporarily halted on Friday following a large-scale Ukrainian drone and missile strike, according to industry officials. The shutdown affected an estimated 2.2 million barrels per day of oil flows—roughly 2% of global supply—marking one of the most consequential disruptions to Russia’s energy infrastructure in months.
The attack targeted port facilities and tanker berths at the Sheskharis terminal, a critical export point for Russian crude and petroleum products. The strike also coincided with broader Ukrainian efforts to intensify long-range assaults on Russian energy and logistics infrastructure, including repeated hits on oil refineries, storage hubs, and pipeline networks since mid-2024.
Oil Prices Jump as Markets React to Supply Concerns
International oil markets immediately responded to the disruption. Benchmark crude futures rose more than 2% in early trading, reflecting concerns that escalating hostilities could tighten global supply at a time when energy markets are already sensitive to geopolitical risks in multiple regions.
Energy analysts noted that Novorossiysk is among Russia’s most important maritime export outlets, handling not only domestic crude but also volumes shipped via the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC), which transports Kazakh oil. Although CPC briefly suspended operations, it later resumed loadings after authorities lifted an air-raid alert.
Kyiv Confirms Use of Cruise Missiles and Multiple Drone Types
Ukraine’s General Staff said the strike incorporated Neptune cruise missiles as well as various air and sea-based drones. Ukrainian officials described the operation as part of a broader campaign to degrade Russia’s “military and economic potential,” seeking to limit Moscow’s ability to fund and supply its war effort.
In addition to the attack on Novorossiysk, Ukrainian forces said they hit an oil refinery in Russia’s Saratov region and a fuel storage site near Engels, a key military and industrial city.
Damage to Tankers, Terminals, and Civilian Infrastructure Reported
Local Russian authorities confirmed that several port facilities were damaged, including two major oil berths—identified by industry sources as berths 1 and 1A—which typically service tankers ranging from 40,000 to 140,000 deadweight tons. The Sierra Leone-flagged tanker Arlan was also reportedly struck.
Regional governor Veniamin Kondratyev said more than 170 emergency responders were deployed to extinguish fires, assess structural damage, and assist affected residents. Three crew members from a damaged vessel were hospitalized with injuries.
Additional damage was reported at nearby logistics and grain terminals. Debris fell on the NKHP grain facility, which continued operating, while transport group Delo said one of its container terminals sustained minor impacts but remained functional. Maritime security firm Ambrey reported damage to a crane and several containers, though no crew injuries were recorded.
Russian Oil Flow Data Highlights Strategic Importance of the Port
Export data underscores the significance of Novorossiysk in Russia’s oil network. Crude shipments through the Sheskharis terminal totaled roughly 3.22 million tonnes (761,000 barrels per day) in October alone, with 24.7 million tonnes exported in the first ten months of the year. Oil product exports from the port reached 1.79 million tonnes in October and nearly 17 million tonnes from January through October.
Transneft, Russia’s pipeline monopoly, was forced to suspend pipeline deliveries to the port during the incident, according to sources. The company declined to comment publicly.
Ukraine Claims Strike on S-400 System; Russia Confirms Oil Depot Fire
Ukrainian authorities said the operation also damaged a Russian S-400 air defence system and a nearby missile storage facility, causing secondary explosions. Reuters reported that it could not independently verify these claims.
Local officials later confirmed that a fire at an oil depot at the Sheskharis terminal had been brought under control and extinguished. Authorities acknowledged coastal damage but released no further technical details.
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Source:Africa Publicity
