Russian fossil fuel exports dropped in October to their lowest level since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, extending a downward trend with the previous low recorded just last month in September.
According to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), Russia exported fossil fuels worth €524 million ($609 million) per day in October 2025, marking a 4% decrease compared to September. The export of Russian fossil fuels is being hit by both Ukrainian attacks and sanctions.
China was the largest buyer of Russian fossil fuels, at €5.8 billion ($6.7 billion) in October, followed by India at € 3.1 billion ($3.6 billion). NATO member Turkey imported €2.7 billion ($3.1 billion) worth of Russian fossil fuels in the same month.
In October the U.S. announced sanctions on major Russian oil companies Rosneft and Lukoil due to Russia’s “lack of serious commitment to a peace process to end the war in Ukraine.” These sanctions target Russia’s energy sector to weaken its economy and pressure Moscow to agree to a ceasefire. Due to US sanctions, China, Turkey and India are expected to scale down their purchases of Russian oil in the coming future.
