Russia’s seaborne diesel and gasoil exports fell by 6% in August to around 3.1 million metric tons as intensified Ukrainian drone strikes disrupted production. The attacks, which targeted key oil facilities across southern and central Russia, forced significant refinery shutdowns and reshaped trade flows.
Impact of Drone Strikes on Refining Capacity
According to Reuters’ estimates, about 17% of Russia’s oil processing capacity equivalent to 1.1 million barrels per day was shut down in August. The disruption followed daily drone assaults on refineries and depots ahead of a scheduled meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. These strikes severely curtailed Russia’s fuel production and affected its export volumes.
Shifts in Export Routes and Markets
Loadings from Novorossiisk, Russia’s Black Sea export hub, dropped 12% month-on-month to 0.83 million tons, reflecting the impact of reduced supply. By contrast, exports from the Baltic port of Primorsk, the country’s largest outlet for ultra low-sulphur diesel (ULSD), rose 5.4% to 1.33 million tons as suppliers resumed operations after planned maintenance.
Despite the disruptions, Turkey and Brazil remained the leading importers of Russian diesel, with Morocco, Tunisia, and Senegal also receiving significant volumes.
The August export data highlights both the vulnerability of Russia’s oil infrastructure to Ukrainian strikes and the resilience of its supply networks. While refinery shutdowns weighed on overall diesel and gasoil shipments, increased flows from Primorsk helped offset some losses. The situation underscores the growing geopolitical risks facing global energy markets as the conflict continues.
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Source: Reuters
