The daily volume of oil leaving Russia by sea has fallen to about 2.9 million barrels, according to Bloomberg’s calculations based on its data tracking. This figure marks a clear shift in recent export patterns and is being closely watched by analysts and markets alike, as it hints at how supply routes and shipping schedules respond to current conditions.
Bloomberg’s report notes that offshore crude deliveries declined by roughly 1.24 million barrels per day in the week spanning April 1 to April 7. This drop represents the most pronounced downward movement in maritime exports since mid-December 2022, suggesting substantial changes in how shipments are allocated and moved across fleets during this period.
The analysis emphasizes that the observed volatility in sea-bound oil shipments does not necessarily reflect a reduction in overall production. Instead, the downturn is attributed largely to weather-related disruptions and the particular timing and constraints of tanker discharge programs. In other words, production levels may remain steady or only slightly altered, while the observable export flow by sea varies as ships wait for or adhere to specific schedules and routes dictated by seasonal weather patterns and logistical considerations.
Aggregate oil deliveries to China, India, and Turkey over the four-week window reached approximately 2.19 million barrels per day, according to the same agency evaluation. An additional 1.05 million barrels per day were carried by ships whose destinations were not disclosed, underscoring the challenges of tracking every voyage in real time. The combined total for these regions stood at about 3.24 million barrels per day, down from 3.32 million barrels per day in the preceding week, signaling a modest slowdown in outward shipments to these major buyers despite existing supply commitments.
Earlier reporting indicated that the volume of Russian crude being exported to foreign buyers by sea had been on an upward trajectory, culminating in a peak of more than 4 million barrels per day during the final week of March. That spike highlighted a period of intensified activity as suppliers and traders adjusted to evolving market dynamics, with implications for global balance sheets, pricing, and the flow of crude through key maritime corridors.