Novorossiysk: A Ukrainian drone strike on Russia’s Black Sea port of Novorossiysk forced a sudden halt in oil exports on Friday, briefly disrupting about two percent of the world’s total oil supply, according to industry sources.

The attack targeted the Sheskharis oil terminal, one of Russia’s most important export points. Two loading berths were damaged, and a Sierra Leone flagged tanker named Arlan was hit, leaving three crew members injured. The strike also damaged equipment at nearby port facilities, including a container terminal crane and several containers.

Local authorities said falling drone debris shattered windows in nearby apartment buildings but reported no civilian deaths. Emergency workers inspected the affected residential blocks and cleared damaged areas around the port.

Oil flows through Transneft’s pipeline system to Novorossiysk were immediately suspended after the attack. Operations at the Caspian Pipeline Consortium terminal in Yuzhnaya Ozereevka were also briefly paused during air alerts before resuming later in the day.

The temporary loss of exports pushed global oil prices higher as markets reacted to the sudden reduction in supply from one of Russia’s largest export hubs. The port handles millions of barrels of crude each day and plays a major role in funding Russia’s wartime economy.

Ukraine has stepped up long distance strikes on Russian infrastructure in recent months, targeting oil terminals, refineries and military sites. Kyiv has also claimed hits on Russian air defence systems linked to the same operation, though these reports have not been independently verified.

Russian officials said inspections and repairs are under way. Authorities have not given a timetable for the full restoration of export capacity, but more details are expected as assessments continue.