Russia's Transneft cuts oil intake after Ukrainian strike on Druzhba pipeline hub, Reuters reports
Transneft, Russia's state-owned oil pipeline operator, has reduced crude intake by 250,000 barrels per day following a Ukrainian drone strike on a key oil pumping station.
On February 24, Transneft announced a significant reduction in crude oil intake, decreasing it by 250,000 barrels per day. This decision came in response to a Ukrainian drone attack that targeted the Kaleykino oil pumping station located in Tatarstan, which is crucial for the Druzhba pipeline system, one of the world's largest networks for crude oil transportation. The drone strike occurred overnight on February 23, highlighting increasing tensions and military activities in the region.
The Kaleykino facility plays a pivotal role in the transportation of nearly two million barrels of oil daily from Russia through Belarus and Ukraine to Central European countries. The damage inflicted by the drone strike not only disrupts immediate oil intake but also jeopardizes the stability of Russian oil exports, which are essential for both the domestic economy and international markets.
Given the scale of the Druzhba pipeline and its importance to European energy supplies, this incident may have far-reaching implications for energy prices and supply reliability in the region. As Ukraine continues to undertake operations aimed at crippling Russian logistics and infrastructure supporting the war, the long-term consequences of such strikes could reshape the energy landscape in Europe, further complicating the geopolitical situation surrounding the conflict.