Drone Attacks on Tankers Near Black Sea Terminal Impact Kazakhstan Oil Exports

Three oil tankers en route to the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) terminal in the Black Sea were attacked by drones, causing minor damage but no crew injuries. The strikes follow a November drone attack on CPC infrastructure and have contributed to a 35% drop in Kazakhstan's oil output in early January, mainly due to export constraints. Kazakhstan's energy ministry confirmed ongoing exports via one mooring. The attacks have raised concerns over increased shipping and insurance costs, with Kazakhstan urging international cooperation to secure energy transport. Ukraine has not commented on the incidents, while Russia attributes some attacks to Ukrainian drones.