Updated
Updated · Energy Intelligence · May 15Russian Crude Exports Drop in Early May After 400,000-Bpd April Rise as Drone Attacks Disrupt Shipments
9 articles · Updated · Energy Intelligence · May 15
- Early May Russian crude exports fell sharply after rising by nearly 400,000 barrels per day in April, marking a reversal in seaborne flows.
- Ukrainian drone attacks drove the decline by disrupting shipments and adding fresh strain to Russia's oil logistics network.
- Refinery throughput, also hit by the strikes, is now gradually increasing, suggesting Moscow is trying to restore processing rates alongside exports.
- The setback shows Ukrainian attacks are still constraining Russia's energy system even after April's export rebound.
As drone strikes cripple exports, is Russia earning more from soaring global oil prices? Can Russia's oil infrastructure survive Ukraine's relentless and increasingly sophisticated drone campaign?