Russian Baltic oil ports have not resumed full operations after drone strikes
Russian ports on the Baltic Sea are still unable to fully handle oil shipments following attacks by Ukrainian drones. This is forcing refineries to seek costly alternative routes and putting additional pressure on Russia’s oil system, Reuters reports.
According to Reuters, the ports of Ust-Luga and Koivisto have not yet fully recovered after the drone strikes. Diesel shipments have been particularly affected: since March 22, Koivisto — a key export hub for refineries in European Russia and Siberia — has been unable to process diesel.
Due to the damage, some fuel oil and other petroleum products are being redirected to the ports of Vysotsk and Taman, but these facilities have smaller capacities and more complex logistics. Traders say this is already straining Russia’s oil system and could lead to reduced production.
The Finnish Maritime Administration reported that only one vessel per week is currently departing from Ust-Luga and Koivisto, compared to the usual 40–50. The Ukrainian drone strikes have therefore significantly limited exports and created serious logistical challenges for Russian oil.
Additionally, after the drone attack on the Ust-Luga port, an oil loading terminal was damaged, which could further complicate exports.
On the night of March 31, the Russian Baltic port of Ust-Luga was hit by a massive drone strike for the third time in a month.
