In recent months, Ukraine has intensified its airstrikes targeting Russian oil refineries and export ports.
As a result, Russia was forced to sharply reduce oil production in April, Reuters reported yesterday.
The decline, estimated at an average of about 300,000 to 400,000 barrels per day, would mark the largest monthly cut in output since the pandemic.
Energy exports account for roughly a quarter of Russia’s budget revenue, with the country regarded as the world’s third-largest oil producer.
Russia stopped publishing production data soon after launching its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Reuters based its estimate on figures from industry sources.
In April, Russia’s daily oil output fell by as much as 600,000 barrels compared with late 2025 levels.
“As attacks on Russian ports and refineries continue, it will be difficult to keep supplying oil without reducing production,” one industry source said.
The source also warned that the upcoming spring maintenance shutdowns would further constrain operations.
The decline could also reduce Russia’s ability to benefit from the temporary lifting of sanctions related to the war in the Middle East.
To curb the oil price spike triggered by the war in Iran, the U.S. administration granted Russia a one-month sanctions waiver, which was extended by another 30 days last week. Russia’s oil revenue reached $19 billion last month, partly as a result.
Source: Reuters
