Russia’s Ust-Luga oil port resumes crude loadings after drone-related disruptions

Russia’s key Baltic oil export terminal at Ust-Luga has resumed crude loading operations after several days of disruption linked to Ukrainian drone attacks in the region, according to shipping data cited by Bloomberg.

The Aframax-class tanker Jewel began loading cargo on April 4, signaling a restart of activity at the port, one of Russia’s main crude export outlets in the west of the country.

Loadings had halted at the end of March as Ukraine intensified strikes on Russian energy infrastructure along the Baltic coast. The suspension added to uncertainty in global oil markets already facing supply concerns.

Russia’s state oil pipeline operator, Transneft, did not immediately respond to requests for comment outside normal business hours.

Ukrainian attacks have continued in recent days. On April 5, facilities at the Baltic port of Primorsk were reportedly damaged. Kyiv has said its strategy targets Russia’s energy infrastructure in an effort to reduce export revenues that help finance Moscow’s military operations.

The disruptions come at a time of heightened volatility in global energy markets, with prices rising amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East and concerns over shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

By Sabina Mammadli