By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa

Russian oil exports via the Baltic ports of Primorsk and Ust-Luga were suspended following overnight drone attacks on March 23, 2026.

These strikes targeted Leningrad Oblast’s energy infrastructure, sparking immediate concerns regarding global supply stability.

A major fire at a fuel reservoir forced the closure of Primorsk, a hub capable of exporting over one million barrels daily.

As a primary outlet for Urals crude and diesel, the shutdown represents a significant hit to Russia’s export revenue.

Operations at Ust-Luga were also halted as a precaution following drone alerts in the area. This port is a critical terminal that handles roughly 700,000 barrels of oil per day and tens of millions of tons of petroleum products annually.

The Ukrainian General Staff confirmed the strikes, which also hit a refinery in Bashkortostan, as a strategy to degrade Russian logistics. The operation successfully interrupted approximately half of Russia’s maritime oil exports destined for international markets.

Analysts warn that these disruptions exacerbate existing global shortages, particularly with the Strait of Hormuz currently closed by Iran. The loss of 1.7 million barrels of daily capacity has placed heavy upward pressure on global fuel prices.

While Ust-Luga has begun a partial reopening, Primorsk remains closed as emergency crews manage the fire damage. Transneft has not yet provided a definitive timeline for when both facilities will return to full operational capacity.