Oil exports from Europe’s second-largest external supplier thrown into crisis by Black Sea tanker attacks

Kazakhstan has been forced to halt crude oil flows to its main Black Sea export terminal after a series of attacks on tankers near Russia’s Novorossiysk port disrupted shipping, Bloomberg reported on 21 July, citing people familiar with the matter.

The reported disruption comes as Ukraine has stepped up efforts to target Russia’s maritime logistics and energy infrastructure in the Black Sea, while Moscow continues using the region to support its war effort and energy exports.

According to Bloomberg, the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) terminal near Novorossiysk stopped accepting pipeline deliveries because tanker operators were unwilling to send vessels to the facility following recent attacks in the Black Sea. It was not immediately clear whether the suspension had already taken effect.

The reported disruption threatens Kazakhstan’s oil exports and could force producers to reduce output if pipeline deliveries remain suspended through the end of the week, Bloomberg reported.

Critical export route under pressure

The CPC terminal handles about 80% of Kazakhstan’s crude oil exports, making it the country’s primary outlet to international markets.

Kazakhstan is Europe’s second-largest external oil supplier after Norway, and much of its crude is produced through projects involving international energy companies including Chevron, ExxonMobil, and Shell. 

A prolonged disruption could tighten supplies for European refiners already facing pressure from instability affecting energy shipments through the Persian Gulf, Bloomberg noted.

The CPC press office declined to comment, according to Bloomberg.

Tengizchevroil, Kazakhstan’s largest oil producer and a Chevron-led joint venture, said it was monitoring loading operations at the Novorossiysk terminal. In a statement cited by Bloomberg, the company said production and deliveries into the CPC pipeline system “may be adjusted from time to time in response to operational conditions,” but declined to comment on specific output levels.

Tanker attacks raise pressure on Russian Black Sea exports

The disruption follows a series of recent attacks on tankers in the Black Sea.

Ukraine has not claimed responsibility for the specific attacks cited by Bloomberg. Kyiv has, however, acknowledged responsibility for numerous strikes on vessels supporting Russia’s maritime logistics in recent months, including attacks on oil tankers in the Black Sea.

Although the CPC terminal is located on Russia’s Black Sea coast, the facility primarily exports Kazakh crude and is not subject to Western sanctions.