Russian Oil Production Hits 9 Million Bpd Amid Export Challenges

Russia's oil production has surpassed 9 million barrels per day (bpd) in July, according to industry sources. The increase of about 100,000 bpd from June was driven by stronger exports and recovering refinery runs.

The country's central bank had warned that attacks on its energy infrastructure and export constraints would weigh on production. However, Russia plans to boost crude exports from western ports by 4% in August, taking advantage of unplanned refinery outages that free up additional barrels.

But with Ukraine's drone attacks intensifying, the situation is becoming increasingly complicated for Russia. The availability of tanker supply in the Black Sea is already tight, and further refinery disruptions could overwhelm export routes.