Russian oil exports via the Northern Sea Route up nearly 50% this season, Reuters reports

Russia has shipped about 20 million barrels of oil to Asia along the Northern Sea Route since navigation opened in July, nearly half as much again as last season's 13 million barrels, Reuters reports, citing trader data. Preliminary trader estimates point to a further 5–10 million barrels before the season ends. According to Reuters, disruption on routes via Suez, Hormuz and the Black Sea and record freight rates are driving the shift, and the Arctic route is seen as a secure alternative to European waters, where tankers carrying Russian oil were regularly arrested this year. Kommersant, citing a market source, counts eight such voyages from Baltic ports so far this season, against ten in 2025.

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