Tue Feb 18 20:25:00 UTC 2025: ## Drone Attack Cripples Major Russian Oil Pipeline, Threatening Global Supply
**Moscow, February 19, 2025** – A Ukrainian drone attack on a key oil pipeline in southern Russia has caused significant disruption to global oil supplies. The Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) pipeline, which transports approximately 80% of Kazakhstan’s crude oil exports (about 1% of global supply), was hit by seven explosive-packed drones on Monday, February 18th.
Russia’s state pipeline operator, Transneft, reported that the attack damaged a pumping station, resulting in an estimated 30% reduction in oil flow from Kazakhstan over the next one to two months. The pipeline, which spans 1,500 kilometers, is jointly owned by Russia, Kazakhstan, and Western energy giants including Chevron, ExxonMobil, and Shell. Three-quarters of the 63 million tonnes of oil transported last year originated from these Western companies.
The attack raises concerns about global oil prices and energy security. While Kazakhstan’s energy ministry is assessing the situation and exploring options to redirect oil exports, the country’s heavy reliance on Russian infrastructure highlights its vulnerability. Kazakhstan has been working to diversify its export routes amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Kyiv has repeatedly targeted Russian energy infrastructure throughout the three-year-long war, aiming to disrupt the flow of resources used to fund and sustain the Russian military campaign. The full economic impact of this latest attack remains to be determined.
First Piper 