Three sources familiar with this matter claim that the oil loadings at Russia's Baltic Sea Port?of Ust-Luga recommenced?on Monday after an alert for drone attacks was lifted. Primorsk, however, remained closed following aerial strikes.

According to two industry sources, Primorsk, and Ust-Luga - Russia's biggest petroleum export outlets - had both previously suspended crude oil and fuel exports since Sunday, following drone attacks.

The U.S. and Israeli war against Iran has led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Tehran, which has caused global shortages.

Alexander Drozdenko said that several fuel storage tanks in Primorsk were set on fire after drone attacks, but he did not mention?the suspension of oil exports.

It was not immediately apparent if there had been any damage to the port at?Ust-Luga.

Transneft - the Russian oil pipeline monopoly that operates both ports - did not respond immediately to a comment request.

Primorsk is the main outlet for Russia’s Urals crude oil and high-quality Diesel.

Sources claim that Ust-Luga and Primorsk exported respectively 32.9 and 16.8 million metric tons of oil last year.

Ust-Luga is responsible for around 700,000 barrels per day of oil exports. Ukraine regularly attacks Russian oil refineries and export facilities in order to undermine Moscow's war economy. Ukraine's military confirmed that it had struck an oil terminal in Primorsk as well as a refinery in Ufa, Bashkortostan. When Primorsk, in September, was attacked, oil loadings were also 'interrupted.

Drone attacks also affected oil exports this month from Russia's biggest Black Sea port, Novorossiysk. Drozdenko said 35 drones were shot down over the Leningrad area in recent attacks. The defence ministry reported that 249 drones total had been intercepted over Russia and destroyed overnight. Guy Faulconbridge and Kevin Liffey edited the report. Hugh Lawson provided the editing.

(source: Reuters)