Exports Of Oil Products From Russia Collapsed To Their Lowest Level Since The Beginning Of 2022
- 30.10.2025, 23:27
Because of sanctions and refinery strikes.
Exports of Russian oil products in October fell to a record low level for the entire time of the war in Ukraine. This is reported by Bloomberg with reference to the data of the analytical company Vortexa Ltd. Average daily exports in the first 26 days of this month amounted to 1.89 million barrels, the lowest since January 2022. The main reasons for the collapse were mass shutdowns of oil refineries after Ukrainian strikes and tougher Western sanctions, the agency writes.
The drop in exports came amid a record drop in oil refining in Russia. According to Bloomberg estimates, they fell to 4.86 million barrels per day in October - nearly 10 percent below July's figures and to their lowest level in at least five years. Ukrainian forces have hit a total of 22 refineries since early August, partially or fully disabling some of them.
The biggest pressure on overall exports has come from reduced supplies of crude and fuel oil, especially from Baltic ports after attacks on the key export hub at Ust-Luga, responsible for more than 60% of Russia's crude and oil product exports. Unfavorable weather conditions in the region may also have affected port operations. At the same time, exports of diesel fuel showed a slight increase.
The situation is aggravated by the tightening of the sanctions regime. As Bloomberg notes, the latest wave of restrictions targeting Rosneft and Lukoil has added new uncertainty, forcing traders to seek new payment routes and adjust delivery schedules ahead of new U.S. sanctions imposed on November 21.
Diesel exports remain relatively stable as the main shipments go to close markets in Turkey and Africa and can be delivered before current permits expire. Oil and fuel oil shipments were more vulnerable, where long voyages to Asia increase the risk of delays for sanctioned cargoes, the agency said.
Detailed statistics by fuel type show that diesel and gasoil shipments rose 2% to about 740,000 barrels per day, helped by higher exports through the Black Sea. At the same time, crude oil exports fell 3% to 317 thousand barrels per day. Fuel oil supplies fell by 10% to 710 thousand barrels per day, reaching the lowest value for three months. At the same time, refinery feedstock supplies rose 6% to about 70 thousand barrels per day, while exports of gasoline and blending components totaled about 13 thousand barrels per day. Jet fuel deliveries increased to 44 thousand barrels per day.
The International Energy Agency predicts that the decline in refining rates due to the Ukrainian strikes will persist at least until mid-2026. In Russia itself, gasoline shortages were recorded in 57 regions, forcing the authorities to impose a ban on fuel exports, increase purchases in Belarus and begin imports from China and other Asian countries.