Russia has gained significant financial benefits from the sharp rise in energy prices caused by the escalation of the conflict around Iran. In the first two weeks following the start of military actions by the United States and Israel against Iran, Russia’s revenues from exports of oil, gas, and coal reached approximately €6 billion.

The increase in revenues is primarily linked to the sharp surge in global oil and gas prices, driven by fears of supply disruptions from the Persian Gulf region. The escalation in the Middle East has created serious instability in the global energy market.

One of the key factors has been the risk of restrictions on shipments through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz — a route through which a significant share of global oil trade passes. Concerns about a possible closure of this route and disruptions in production in regional countries have pushed oil prices up by around 14%.

Amid the rise in energy prices, Russia’s Urals crude has significantly increased in value, exceeding $80 per barrel. This is considerably higher than the price level that had been projected in the Russian state budget for the current year.

According to analysts, such price dynamics are generating additional profits for the Russian economy that could reach around $150 million per day. Overall, experts note that every one-dollar increase in global oil prices can bring the Russian budget up to $1.9 billion in additional annual revenue.

Thus, despite ongoing sanctions pressure from Western countries, the energy sector continues to remain a key source of income for the Russian economy. High oil and gas prices are partially offsetting the restrictions imposed on Russian exports after the start of the war in Ukraine.

Moreover, the current situation in the energy market allows Moscow to maintain stable budget revenues that play an important role in financing government spending, including military expenditures.

The situation highlights a certain geopolitical paradox. On the one hand, the conflict around Iran is intensifying tensions in international relations and reshaping the balance of power in the Middle East. On the other hand, the energy crisis triggered by this confrontation is indirectly benefiting major energy exporters, primarily Russia.

As long as supplies from the Persian Gulf remain under threat, alternative suppliers have an opportunity to increase their revenues due to rising global prices.

 

Experts warn that if tensions around Iran persist and oil prices remain high for a prolonged period, this could have long-term consequences for the global economy and international politics. For Russia, such a situation provides an additional financial resource that may soften the economic pressure of sanctions and support the stability of its budget. At the same time, this complicates Western efforts to limit Moscow’s revenues from energy exports and may indirectly influence the further development of the conflict in Ukraine.

CCBS Expert Group

#ANALYSIS

#RUSSIA

13.03.2026 07:10