Russia's Black Sea Ports Paralyzed by Ukraine Strikes

The conflict in Ukraine has disrupted grain and oil exports from Russia due to Ukrainian attacks on its Black Sea ports. The port of Novorossiysk, which handles a significant portion of Russia's grain exports, has been severely affected.

According to Andrey Sizov, head of agricultural consulting company SovEcon, the Novorossiysk Grain Products Plant and the Novorossiysk Grain Terminal have ceased operations. Additionally, KSK, one of Russia's largest deep-water grain terminals, suspended its activities on August 13.

The Sheskharis terminal, Russia's main Black Sea oil export facility, has also faced disruptions. While it stopped loading oil on August 14, it resumed two days later.

Isaac Levi, an analyst at the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, noted that reduced transportation is not only due to damage to infrastructure but also because strikes on vessels deter ships from entering ports regarded as primary targets. CREA estimates that Novorossiysk shipped 30% less oil in the first two weeks of August compared to the same period last year.