The two-month timeframe for restoring the technological processes at the Novatek gas production site in Ust-Luga, Leningrad Region, follows a fire that caused damage to the facility. This is reported by Kommersant, citing an official assessment of the incident’s impact.
Officials familiar with the situation indicate that the цел start of full restoration may take up to two months. During this period, workers are expected to progressively re-commission the terminal and return to pre-fire loading and export volumes for petroleum products, aligning operations with those reached before the incident.
Prior to the fire, the site in the Kingisepp district had been placed on heightened alert. The event involved two explosions before the blaze; local witnesses observed unmanned aerial vehicles in the air. Reports from Fontanka noted that two drones had approached St. Petersburg but altered their trajectory at the final moment. The defense ministry has not confirmed any attack.
Earlier incidents at the Novatek facility have heightened attention to the company’s infrastructure and the regional energy supply chain. The fire’s impact on nearby operations appears to be contained, with no immediate disruption to national oil markets reported in official statements. The situation continues to be monitored by regional authorities and industry observers who are tracking the pace of repairs and the company’s mechanism to restore export volumes to their pre-fire levels.
Analysts and local residents alike are watching for any cascading effects on pricing in Asia and other markets, where oil prices can be sensitive to refinery and terminal outages. While the overall outlook remains subject to change, early assessments suggest the fire caused damage that, although serious enough to halt certain activities temporarily, did not trigger a broader shutdown of related facilities.
Industry watchers emphasize that restoration requires a careful sequence of steps, including ensuring safety, securing damaged equipment, testing the integrity of storage and loading systems, and gradually ramping output. The timeline and execution will depend on assessments from technical teams, safety reviews, and regulatory approvals.
In the broader context, the incident underscores the importance of robust risk management for energy infrastructure and the steps companies take to restore operations quickly after emergencies. Observers remain attentive to updates on the terminal’s capacity, export schedules, and how the restart influences regional and global energy markets.
While the immediate focus is on restoring functionality, authorities continue to investigate the causes of the fire and monitor related security considerations. The industry’s response will likely shape subsequent safety protocols and readiness plans for similar facilities across the region.