Russia’s crude oil exports climbed to their highest levels in more than a year in September 2025, even as international sanctions tightened and Ukrainian drone attacks crippled parts of the nation’s refining infrastructure. Data from S&P Global Commodities at Sea revealed that Russian-origin crude liftings reached 3.88 million barrels per day (b/d) the highest since April 2024 driven largely by surging demand from India and Turkey.
Rising Exports Despite Sanctions Pressure
Deliveries of Russian crude to India surged by 29% month-on-month to 1.73 million b/d, while Turkey increased its intake by 11% to 375,000 b/d. However, exports to China dropped by 12% to 1.12 million b/d, reflecting shifting market dynamics amid tightening sanctions and fluctuating refinery operations.
Global leaders have voiced growing concerns over nations continuing to import Russian oil. At a virtual meeting on October 1, G7 finance ministers vowed to “maximize pressure” on Russia’s oil exports, which remain a key source of state revenue. The group also endorsed targeting countries and companies facilitating circumvention of sanctions.
In September, the EU, UK, Japan, and other G7 members reduced the price cap on Russian oil from $60/b to $47.60/b, marking the first major revision since its introduction in December 2022. This move, intended to squeeze Moscow’s income, has led to diverging policies within the alliance and further complicated enforcement.
Drone Attacks and Refining Crisis Deepen Challenges
While crude exports have risen, Russia’s oil product shipments have plummeted due to ongoing Ukrainian drone strikes on refining and fuel-loading infrastructure. Seaborne product exports dropped 15% month-on-month to 1.87 million b/d, the lowest since the start of the war.
According to DNV data, as of September 19, refinery downtime stood at 1.86 million b/d, with several major plants still offline. Drone attacks have also damaged Primorsk port facilities and tankers such as Kusto and Cai Yun.
The Russian government has since extended its gasoline export ban and imposed restrictions on diesel shipments to stabilize domestic supply amid worsening shortages. The closures have triggered a fuel crisis, forcing 360 retail stations (2.6%) across Russia to shut down with the situation particularly severe in the southern regions and Crimea, where up to 50% of stations are closed.
Tamara Kandelaki, Chairperson of the Committee on Economics at the Oil Refiners and Petrochemical Association, described the situation as “alarming,” calling it a force majeure expected to persist.
Russia’s record crude exports in September underscore its ability to reroute oil flows despite mounting international pressure. Yet, the intensifying attacks on refining infrastructure and growing domestic fuel shortages reveal the fragility of this balance. As sanctions deepen and the G7 coordinates new measures, the tension between sustaining exports and maintaining internal energy security will continue to define Russia’s oil strategy in the months ahead.
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Source: S&P GLOBAL
