Russia set to increase exports from western ports in August amid firm demand in Asia, sources say

MOSCOW, Aug 3 : Oil shipments from Russia's western ports are set to increase 4 per cent in August from July as drone attacks on domestic refineries make more crude available for exports, while strong demand in Asia encourages sellers to load more, two traders said.Exports from the Baltic ports of Primorsk and Ust-Luga, along with the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk, are set to reach around 2.7 million barrels per day in August, according to the preliminary data collected by traders.Ukraine's attacks on Russia's refineries have meant that less oil can be processed and has to be exported.Loadings from the ports are set to be near capacity, though ongoing strikes and a lack of tonnage available for such shipments may cap the export volumes, the traders said. Russia's oil exports from western