Russia’s state-owned oil pipeline monopoly, Transneft, has reportedly warned oil producers that they may be required to cut output following a series of drone attacks by Ukraine on key export ports and refineries.
Industry sources disclosed that recent strikes have placed additional pressure on Russia’s energy infrastructure, raising concerns about the country’s ability to sustain production and exports.
Transneft, which handles more than 80 percent of oil extracted in Russia, has already restricted the amount of oil companies can store in its pipeline system due to the heightened risk of damage.
According to the sources, the company cautioned that if further infrastructure damage occurs, it may have to reduce intake from producers.
Such a move could force Russia—responsible for around 9 percent of global oil production—to cut overall output.
Ukraine has intensified drone strikes on Russian energy assets since August, targeting critical facilities as part of efforts to undermine Moscow’s war financing.
At least 10 refineries have been hit, temporarily reducing Russia’s refining capacity by nearly one-fifth, while major export hubs such as Ust-Luga and Primorsk have also sustained damage.
Primorsk, Russia’s largest oil port with a capacity exceeding 1 million barrels per day, was struck last week, forcing operations to shut down temporarily.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy described the attacks as “the sanctions that work the fastest,” stressing that they have caused significant disruption to Russia’s energy supply chain.
In response, Transneft issued a statement dismissing reports of output risks as “fake news,” accusing Western sources of conducting an “information war” against Russia. The company insisted that its operations remain stable despite the strikes.
Oil and gas revenues account for up to half of Russia’s federal budget, making the sector a critical source of government financing.
Analysts warn that continued disruptions from drone attacks, coupled with limited oil stockpiling capacity compared to other major producers like Saudi Arabia, could weaken Moscow’s ability to sustain its war effort and stabilize export flows.
As the conflict deepens, industry experts note that further strikes could put additional pressure on global oil supply and prices, given Russia’s role as a key producer in global markets.