The volume of jet fuel exports at risk of disruption after a suspected drone attack on a Baltic Sea terminal could be more than 20,000 barrels per day (bpd), much of it destined for Turkey, according to data from terminal owner Novatek.

The company said on Sunday it had been forced to suspend some operations at the huge Baltic Sea fuel export terminal and “technological processes” at a nearby fuel-producing complex after a fire started by what Ukrainian media said was a drone attack.

According to the latest company data available, the complex processed more than 1 million metric tons, or more than 20,000 bpd of jet fuel, in 2022.

Since then, a hydrocracker unit was installed at the complex, which has increased capacity.

Drawing on stockpiles, Novatek resumed fuel loadings on Wednesday at the Ust-Luga terminal, according to industry sources and LSEG data.

But analysts have said it would take weeks, if not months, for the complex to restart large-scale operations.

The complex produces naphtha for Asian markets, including China, Malaysia, Singapore and Taiwan.

It also produces jet fuel, most of which is delivered to Istanbul for Turkish Airlines, according to ship tracking data and industry sources.

Turkish Airlines did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Source: Reuters (Reporting by Vladimir Soldatkin in Moscow, additional reporting by Burcu Karakas in Istanbul; editing by Barbara Lewis)