Russian state-backed energy giant at the world’s energy crossroads
Oil and gas companies have benefited from the Iran conflict, with profits reaching hundreds of billions of dollars. Major firms like Saudi Aramco, ExxonMobil, Shell, and Russian companies are experiencing record windfalls as oil prices stay high. Governments face pressure to impose windfall taxes to ease public burdens.
Prosecutors have filed a formal case in Berlin, linking a Russian suspect to suspected violations of Germany’s foreign-trade rules and attempted anticonstitutional sabotage. The investigation follows Gazprom Germania’s controversial liquidation and the government’s 2018-2022 nationalization to safeguard gas supplies amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Ukraine’s long-range strikes have hit oil refineries and energy facilities across Russia, fueling a fuel shortage in several regions. Attacks have disrupted refining capacity from Omsk to Yaroslavl, triggering rationing and price pressures while Moscow promises restoration efforts.
Gazprom mobilizes volunteer guards for its gas infrastructure, paying 200,000 rubles monthly plus meals and benefits as drone strikes increase. The plan envisions three-year contracts for regional mobilization, with training and safe civilian tasks, while other regions consider similar measures. Ukraine seeks higher pay and longer contracts for foreign volunteers to strengthen front lines amid ongoing drone warfare.
Ukraine has struck oil depots and tankers across Russia, triggering a fuel shortage and rationing in multiple regions. Trump pledges Patriot licenses as Kyiv seeks faster domestic production.
Fuel shortages persist across Russia as Ukrainian strikes on energy infrastructure disrupt refineries and supply networks. Governors report rationing and long queues; authorities impose export bans and explore imports to stabilise the domestic market. Prices are rising, and regions are adapting with remapping of distribution and travel restrictions.