/Reuters Agency
Russia increased its oil exports through its western ports by 25% in September compared to August, according to three commercial sources, due to disruptions at refineries caused by Ukrainian drone attacks that freed up more crude oil.
September shipments through the western port terminals of Primorsk, Ust-Luga, and Novorossiysk rose to 2.5 million barrels per day (bpd), according to the Reuters informants.
Ukraine has intensified its drone attacks against refineries and export pipelines, which has caused shortages of some fuels in Russia. Authorities have responded with plans to restrict gasoline and diesel shipments.
Russia’s pipeline monopoly, Transneft, has warned oil producers they might have to reduce production due to the attacks, according to industry sources cited in September. For now, the increase in exports allows Russia to maintain its crude oil production plans.
Daily loadings of Urals, Kebco, and Siberian Light grades at the ports of Primorsk, Ust-Luga, and Novorossiysk in September increased by 500,000 barrels per day (bpd), a 25% rise compared to August, according to Reuters estimates.
Oil loadings were increased by 600,000 bpd compared to the initial plans, traders indicated. Refinery disruptions during September exceeded the record levels of August and were approximately 1.5 times greater than in the same month last year, according to a trader citing preliminary refining data.
Exports increased despite drone attacks against the main export ports of Primorsk and Novorossiysk, which briefly suspended loadings, as well as against the Transneft pipeline system in August and September.
