During the first four months of the year, Russia reported gas production totaling 246.4 billion cubic meters, a figure that marks an increase of about 8 percent from the same period in the previous year. This update was presented by Russian President Vladimir Putin at a meeting focused on the development of the country’s fuel and energy complex, with the information released by the Kremlin press service. The data underline a continued expansion in gas output, reflecting a combination of strong domestic demand, export commitments, and ongoing development of gas fields that have been brought online in recent years. The trend also highlights how the energy sector remains a central pillar of Russia’s economic strategy as it navigates global energy markets. (Kremlin press service)
Regarding oil, President Putin noted that the indicators were stable, even as overall production showed a modest decline compared with the same period last year. Specifically, gross oil production since the start of the year stood at 195.7 million tons, which is down by approximately 1.8 percent year over year. Analysts point to a combination of intentional production adjustments and market dynamics that influence daily output levels, as well as the country’s broader production schedule and commitments under international arrangements. (Kremlin press service)
Putin stressed that the trajectory in oil and gas follows the framework of the OPEC+ agreement, emphasizing that the reductions in supply are voluntary and coordinated with partner nations to balance global markets and support price stability. This stance is presented as a core element of Russia’s strategy to manage energy resources while sustaining long-term investment in extraction, refining capacity, and infrastructure modernization. The president’s remarks position cooperative output management as a tool to adapt to evolving demand patterns and to maintain competitiveness in a volatile energy landscape. (Kremlin press service)
In other development news, Kazakhstan sanctioned a protocol related to the transit of Russian oil to China, signaling ongoing regional cooperation in the transportation of crude across Eurasian networks. The agreement is viewed as part of a broader effort among energy-producing states to diversify routes, optimize logistics, and ensure throughput efficiency in cross-border energy commerce. The protocol’s implementation is anticipated to influence how volumes move through pipelines and rail corridors, with potential implications for pricing, timing, and contractual arrangements between trading partners. (Kremlin press service)
Looking ahead, observers note expectations that oil and natural gas demand could evolve by mid-century, potentially influenced by technological progress, shifts in energy mix, and policy developments aimed at reducing emissions. While some forecasts point to softer demand in certain sectors, others anticipate resilience in essential energy needs and continued strategic importance of hydrocarbons during the transition period. The underlying message from Russian authorities remains that disciplined production management, coupled with international cooperation, will help stabilize markets and support investment in energy infrastructure. (Kremlin press service)