Russia Boosts Oil Exports via Arctic Route

Russia is increasing its oil exports through the Arctic, using the Northern Sea Route (NSR) to reduce delivery times and avoid risks in the Red Sea. The country's oil sea shipments remain at historically high levels, with exports exceeding 4 million barrels per day for the fifth consecutive week. Russia is using six tankers and nuclear icebreakers to ensure passage, up from one tanker last year. The Arctic route does not directly increase Russia's exports but allows ships to return more quickly for new cargoes, increasing the fleet's efficiency. Ship movement also helps avoid tension in the Red Sea, where Yemeni Houthis have declared a maritime blockade of Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, due to a fuel shortage caused by attacks on oil refineries, the Kremlin has launched a scheme to circumvent sanctions: Russian oil is refined in India, and the finished fuel is transshipped at sea.