Russia Faces Historic Energy Crisis as 40% of Oil Export Capacity Is Sidelined

Reuters calculations reveal the most severe disruption in modern Russian history as Ukrainian attacks and tanker seizures sideline 2 million barrels per day.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 26, 2026, 9:01 AM EDT

Source: Reuters

Western Export Hubs Under Fire

The disruption is primarily concentrated in Russia's western logistics network, which serves European and Mediterranean markets. Ukraine has intensified its strategy of targeting "revenue infrastructure" to drain the Kremlin's war chest, which relies on oil and gas for roughly 25% of state budget proceeds.

Baltic Sea Ports: Primorsk and Ust-Luga, major gateways for Russian Urals crude, have seen operations crippled following recent drone strikes.

Black Sea Hubs: The Novorossiysk terminal, capable of handling 700,000 bpd, remains below planned capacity following a heavy drone attack earlier this month.

The Druzhba Pipeline: The southern branch of this massive network, supplying Hungary and Slovakia through Ukraine, remains damaged and offline following a "disputed attack" in late January.

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