Russia's Tuapse port resumes fuel exports after suspension following drone attack, sources say

MOSCOW, Jan 21 (Reuters) - Russia's Black Sea port of Tuapse resumed oil product exports last week after a two-week suspension following a Ukrainian drone attack, according to three industry sources and LSEG data.

The December 31 strike damaged one berth at the port and equipment at Rosneft’s nearby export‑oriented Tuapse refinery, according to the Krasnodar regional operational headquarters.

Both the port and the refinery have been repeatedly targeted by Ukrainian drone attacks since the start of the conflict.

According to market sources, at least five tankers loaded diesel and fuel oil at Tuapse port since last week. The cargoes were supplied by rail from other Rosneft‑controlled refineries. The Tuapse refinery - which exports most of its output - has not yet resumed processing and unplanned maintenance continues following the attack.

The refinery could restart processing at the end of February or later, traders said. The plant has a capacity of 240,000 barrels per day producing naphtha, fuel oil, vacuum gasoil and high‑sulphur diesel.

Rosneft ROSN.MM did not respond to a request for comment.