Russia is cutting oil production by a record amount due to attacks on ports and refineries

Russian oil companies are being forced to significantly cut oil production amid successful drone attacks on key export infrastructure and the suspension of supplies via the Druzhba pipeline. In April 2026, the drop in production could reach 300,000–400,000 barrels per day compared to March, marking the largest single-month decline since the pandemic crisis. 

This is reported by Reuters.

Due to constant strikes on oil terminals, particularly in Ust-Luga and Primorsk, about 20% of Russia’s export capacity has been taken out of service. This has led to overflows in Transneft’s pipeline system and oil storage facilities, as companies cannot ship raw materials in full. The situation is complicated by the suspension of oil transit to Hungary and Slovakia, which has been ongoing since January following infrastructure damage.

According to experts, the total drop in production compared to the end of last year will reach 500,000 barrels per day. Russian oil companies are having to mothball certain fields to avoid a collapse of the logistics system, especially during the period of seasonal maintenance at refineries. For the Russian budget, such changes are critical, as oil and gas revenues account for a quarter of all state revenues.

On the night of April 20, 2026, a series of powerful explosions rocked the Krasnodar Krai region of the Russian Federation. Strategic facilities in the Tuapse, Gelendzhik, and Anapa areas came under a massive drone attack, causing panic among the local population and paralyzing the transport infrastructure.

Drones attacked an oil refinery in the Samara region of the Russian Federation, causing a fire