Ukrainian Armed Forces Drone Strike Targets CPC Oil Exports from Kazakhstan
The Ukrainian Armed Forces targeted the CPC’s Kropotkinskaya oil facility using drones, leading to operational disruptions and notification to shareholders. The attack aimed to hinder facility operations without causing human casualties. The CPC manages significant oil exports from Kazakhstan, primarily to Novorossiysk, involving stakeholders such as Chevron and ExxonMobil.
The Ukrainian Armed Forces conducted a drone attack on the Kropotkinskaya station of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC), which is crucial for oil exports from Kazakhstan. This incident has led to a reduction in the facility’s pumping capacity and notifications to all shareholders, including U.S. companies, regarding the terrorist act.
The CPC reported on February 17 that UAVs attacked the NPC Kropotkinskaya oil transportation facility. Seven drones, equipped with explosives and metal shrapnel, were used in the assault. The timing of the attack was strategized to maximize disruption and potential casualties among operational staff, though there were no injuries reported.
Following the attack, the Kropotkinskaya station was taken offline to prevent possible oil spills, and operations have continued at a reduced capacity through alternative pumping methods. The CPC has forewarned its international shareholders, including representatives from American and European companies, about the attack on this critical civilian infrastructure.
CPC plays a vital role in Kazakh oil exports, primarily transporting oil to Novorossiysk, where it is loaded onto tankers. In 2024, the CPC’s pipeline system managed the shipment of 63 million tons of oil, with approximately 54 million tons sourced from Kazakhstan. Notably, American firms Chevron and ExxonMobil own a combined 22.5% stake in the consortium.
The Kropotkinskaya pumping station, located in the Kuban region, stands as the largest CPC oil pumping station within Russia, making this attack significant in terms of potential operational implications.
The attack by the Ukrainian Armed Forces on the CPC’s Kropotkinskaya station has resulted in a significant disruption of oil exports from Kazakhstan. Although there were no casualties among personnel, the incident highlights the vulnerabilities of critical infrastructure and the potential geopolitical ramifications for international stakeholders involved in Kazakh oil transport. The CPC, as the primary transit route for Kazakh oil, now operates at reduced capacity, necessitating swift responses from shareholders and stakeholders to mitigate impacts on oil exports.
Original Source: eadaily.com
