CPC Continues Restoration of Kropotkinskaya Pumping Station Following Drone Attack
The Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) is undertaking restoration efforts at the Kropotkinskaya oil pumping station, which sustained damage in a recent drone attack, the company’s press service reported on March 24.
According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, at approximately 2 a.m. on March 24, air defense systems intercepted an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) targeting the Kropotkinskaya station in the Krasnodar Territory. Debris from the intercepted drone fell near the Kavkazskaya railway station.
Impact on CPC Infrastructure
The Kropotkinskaya station, the largest pumping station within the CPC network, previously sustained seven UAV strikes on February 17. While no casualties were reported, the oil transportation infrastructure suffered significant damage.
Additionally, on March 19, multiple UAVs targeted the Kavkazskaya oil pumping station, a critical hub for crude oil transshipment into the CPC system. This station facilitates oil exports via the CPC marine terminal.
Operational Consequences
- Oil shippers transported approximately 130,000 tons of crude oil monthly through the Kavkazskaya station to the CPC system.
- In 2024, the total volume of crude oil received through this route reached 1.51 million tons.
- The shutdown of Kropotkinskaya station has resulted in a projected decrease in annual oil transportation volumes.
- The destruction of the Kavkazskaya station will temporarily halt oil transport via this route.
Despite these disruptions, the Kazakh Ministry of Energy has confirmed that CPC continues to accept Kazakh oil without restrictions.
Photo credit: The Caspian Pipeline Consortium
