- Category
- Latest news
Russia Boosts Oil Exports by 200,000 BPD After Ukrainian Strikes Disrupt Refineries
- Authors
![Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko]( "Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko")
Russia has increased its crude oil export plan from western ports by 200,000 barrels per day in August, revising the figure to around 2 million barrels per day. The adjustment comes after a wave of Ukrainian drone strikes forced shutdowns at multiple refineries, freeing up crude for shipment, Reuters reported on August 26, citing industry sources.
Export planning remains uncertain, with ongoing attacks and shifting repair schedules. “Attacks are ongoing and repair deadlines change daily. It’s unclear how much Russia can load this month or next,” one source said.
Acoording to Reuters, normally, Russian sellers receive full loading plans at least a week before the start of the month, but September’s schedule has not yet been finalized.
The strikes have already knocked out at least 10 refineries this month, shutting facilities that account for 17% of Russia’s processing capacity—around 1.1 million barrels per day. Ukraine also targeted the Druzhba pipeline and the Unecha pumping station in the Bryansk region, a critical route for crude deliveries to Ust-Luga port. Damage there could reduce exports by up to 500,000 bpd, according to one estimate.
Currently, Ust-Luga is operating at half of its 700,000 bpd capacity, with volumes diverted to Novorossiisk and Primorsk, Reuters reported. However, vessel shortages at the end of August are further constraining Moscow’s ability to raise shipments.
The disruptions come as Russia struggles to increase revenues under Western sanctions and US pressure on key buyers to cut imports of Russian oil. While western port loadings are highly dependent on domestic refinery output, exports to the east remain largely unaffected.
Earlier, a Ukrainian drone strike severely disrupted operations at two of Russia’s largest oil refineries.
The attack hit facilities owned by state oil giant Rosneft. The Ryazan Oil Refining Company, Rosneft’s largest refinery, was forced to cut output by about 50%, while the Novokuibyshevsk refinery, a major plant in the Samara group, was completely shut down.
