Russia's oil and gas revenue seen up 39% y/y in May thanks to Iran war - Finance news and analysis from Global Banking & Finance Review
Finance

Russia's oil and gas revenue seen up 39% y/y in May thanks to Iran war

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on May 20, 2026

2 min read

· Last updated: May 20, 2026

Add as preferred source on Google

Russia Oil and Gas Revenue Surges 39% Year-on-Year in May on Iran Conflict

Overview of Russia's Oil and Gas Revenue Growth

May Revenue Surge Driven by Global Oil Price Rally

MOSCOW, May 20 (Reuters) - Russia's state oil and gas revenues, which account for around a fifth of total budget income, are set to rise by 39% year on year in May to 700 billion roubles ($9.8 billion), thanks to a global oil price rally fuelled by the war in Iran, Reuters calculations showed on Wednesday.

Month-on-Month Decline and Taxation Factors

However, revenues are expected to decline from April by around 17% due to cyclical payments of profit-based tax. Russia's budget will also lose out from increasing subsidies to the refineries in the form of the reverse excise tax and damper payments.

Impact of Geopolitical Events on Russia's Oil Sector

Benefiting from the U.S.-Israeli War in Iran

Russia, the world's third-largest oil producer and exporter after the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, has been one of the main beneficiaries of the U.S.-Israeli war in Iran, which started at the end of February.

Oil and Gas Revenue as a Key Kremlin Income Source

Oil and gas revenue is the main source of income for the Kremlin, whose finances have been strained by heavy defence and security spending since Russia began its military campaign in Ukraine in February 2022.

Budgetary Trends and Future Projections

Recent Decline in Oil and Gas Revenue

According to Reuters calculations, Russia's federal budget's oil and gas revenue declined by around a third year on year to 3 trillion roubles in the January to May period.

Future Revenue Forecasts

2026 Budget Projections

Russia's 2026 budget forecasts oil and gas revenue of 8.92 trillion roubles. Total budget revenue this year is projected at 40.283 trillion roubles.

2023 Revenue Performance

Last year, federal budget oil and gas revenue dropped 24% to 8.48 trillion roubles, the lowest level since 2020.

Additional Information

($1 = 71.2500 roubles)

(Reporting by Reuters, Editing by Louise Heavens)

Key Takeaways

  • May oil and gas revenues jump ~39% y/y to 700 billion roubles (~$9.8 billion), per Reuters calculations.
  • Despite the May uptick, January–May 2026 oil and gas revenue remains below 2025 levels—around 2.94 trillion roubles versus 3.16 trillion last year.
  • The Iran war has driven Urals oil prices higher—up to ~$95–95 per barrel—boosting Russia’s windfall, although stronger subsidies, reverse excise taxes, and cyclical tax dips limit gains.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Russia's oil and gas revenue increase in May 2024?
Russia's oil and gas revenue rose due to a surge in global oil prices driven by the war in Iran.
How much are Russia's oil and gas revenues expected to be in May 2024?
Revenues are set to reach 700 billion roubles ($9.8 billion) in May 2024.
What caused the decline in oil and gas revenue from April to May?
The decline is due to cyclical payments of profit-based tax affecting monthly figures.
How has the war in Iran impacted Russia's oil and gas sector?
The war led to a global oil price rally, increasing revenues for Russian oil and gas exporters.
What share do oil and gas revenues hold in Russia's total budget income?
Oil and gas revenues account for around a fifth of Russia's total budget income.

Tags

Related Articles

More from Finance

Explore more articles in the Finance category