Russia’s oil producers are accelerating drilling efforts at the fastest pace in over five years as OPEC+ output restrictions ease and the country anticipates potential relief from some sanctions. Drilling activity is now over 30% higher than pre-war levels, reflecting the resilience of Russia’s oil sector despite Western sanctions aimed at restricting its access to advanced technology.
Current production capacity remains steady at 11 to 11.5 million barrels per day. According to Ronald Smith of Emerging Markets Oil & Gas Consulting, the Russian oilfield services industry has largely adapted to sanctions, using alternative solutions.
In early 2025, Russia averaged more than 2,370 km of drilling per month—above seasonal norms—while some foreign service firms have remained or transferred operations to local entities.Over the past three years, Russian oil service companies have adapted to sanctions by sourcing alternative equipment or developing local equivalents, according to Dmitry Kasatkin of Kasatkin Consulting.
While some technological setbacks have occurred—such as less advanced drilling techniques—experts like Sergey Vakulenko note that the overall impact of Western sanctions and the exit of foreign firms has been far less severe than initially expected. Russia’s Energy Ministry, along with SLB and Weatherford, declined to comment on the situation or current operations.
