As the agency writes, almost twice as much as a month earlier.
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The increase is primarily due to the global energy crisis caused by the conflict in the Middle East. Russia, as one of the largest oil exporters in the world – second only to Saudi Arabia – benefits from rising prices of the raw material.
The blockade of a strategic route increases prices
Iran's closing of the Strait of Hormuz after US and Israeli airstrikes in late February played a key role. It is one of the most important oil and gas transport routes in the world, accounting for approximately one fifth of global supplies.
Supply disruptions pushed Brent crude prices above $100. per barrel, which directly translated into the income of countries exporting raw materials, including Russia.
Tax instead of customs duties as a pillar of income
The Russian oil and gas sector bases its income mainly on tax on the extraction of mineral resources. Export duties on oil were abolished at the beginning of 2024 as part of the so-called tax maneuver.
According to estimates, revenues from this tax will increase to approximately 700 billion rubles in April, compared to 327 billion rubles in March. This is also an increase of about 10%. year to year.
Throughout 2026, Russia plans to obtain as much as 7.9 trillion rubles from this source.
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Growing demand for Russian raw materials
The increase in oil prices goes hand in hand with growing demand. According to the Russian authorities, in the face of the global energy crisis, there are more and more inquiries about supplies of raw materials from Russia.
The average price of Urals oil, used for tax purposes, rose to $77 in March. per barrel – this is the highest level since October 2023 and a significant jump compared to February.
For comparison, the state budget assumed a price of approximately $59. per barrel.
Profits have their limits. The Russian budget still has problems
Despite growing incomes Russia's financial situation remains tense. In the first quarter of 2026, the budget deficit amounted to 4.58 trillion rubles, or 1.9%. GDP.
An additional risk factor is attacks on energy infrastructure, which may limit the ability to extract and export raw materials.
Experts emphasize that the scale of windfall gains will largely depend on how long the crisis in the Middle East lasts. If tensions ease, oil prices could fall, reducing revenues to the Russian budget.
