Russian Baltic Oil Terminals Remain Offline Following Ukrainian Drone Strikes

 Russia’s key oil export hubs in the Baltic, Ust-Luga and Primorsk, remain unable to handle shipments after a series of Ukrainian drone attacks, forcing the country’s refineries to seek alternative export routes, industry sources said on Friday.

The attacks, which have damaged port infrastructure, persisted through the last two weeks of March, with at least five strikes targeting Ust-Luga within a 10-day period. Sources warn that continued export restrictions, coupled with refinery disruptions, could reduce overall oil production in Russia.

Traders reported that refineries have been unable to deliver diesel to Primorsk for export since March 22, leaving facilities across European Russia and Siberia without their primary export route. “Diesel fuel has not been accepted at Primorsk since Sunday (March 22),” said one industry source. “Authorities have promised to resume deliveries, but no timeline has been confirmed.”

As a result, refineries have been evaluating more expensive rail transport options to alternative terminals. Some shipments previously destined for Ust-Luga are being considered for delivery to Vysotsk, further north on the Gulf of Finland, or to Taman on the Black Sea coast. However, traders note that Vysotsk has a smaller handling capacity, and shipping to Taman would require significant rail logistics adjustments.

Finnish maritime officials told Reuters this week that shipments from Primorsk and Ust-Luga have fallen sharply, with only “individual vessels” moving through the ports instead of the usual weekly average of 40–50.

The disruptions underscore the vulnerability of Russia’s oil export infrastructure amid the ongoing conflict and raise concerns over the impact on European fuel supply and global oil markets.