Russia Crude Output Surges Past 9 Million BPD Amid Refinery Disruptions

Russia's oil production has increased to over 9 million barrels per day (bpd) in July, according to industry sources. This is up by around 100,000 bpd from June and a significant boost for Moscow's energy sector.

The increase came despite ongoing sanctions and attacks on Russia's energy infrastructure. Oil and fuel sales remain crucial to the country's budget, giving Moscow every reason to maintain production levels.

OPEC estimates put Russian production at 8.928 million bpd in June, a decrease from May but still above last year's full-year average of 9.129 million bpd. However, Russia stopped publishing official oil production figures years ago, leaving industry sources and OPEC to make educated guesses.

July's increase was largely driven by increased crude exports and a partial recovery in refinery throughput after damage earlier this year reduced processing capacity. However, the situation is expected to be different in August, with Ukrainian drone attacks intensifying in late July and early August forcing several refineries to suspend operations.