Official: Russia’s oil output falls as refineries undergo maintenance

Russian oil production has fallen below levels seen at the start of 2026, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak has acknowledged, attributing the decline to planned maintenance works at refineries and logistical constraints.

Speaking on the sidelines of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, Novak said output was “somewhat lower than at the beginning of the year,” marking a rare public admission of a short-term dip in production, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

He said the reduction was linked primarily to ongoing repair and maintenance activities at refining facilities, while adding that export infrastructure was currently operating at full capacity.

Novak added that production levels were expected to recover once maintenance work is completed, suggesting the downturn is temporary rather than structural.

By Aghakazim Guliyev