Russia has seen a significant increase in its oil exports through the Northern Sea Route (NSR) in 2026, surpassing last year’s numbers by almost 50%. Approximately 20 million barrels have been transported to Asia from July to mid-October, according to traders and data. The NSR connects Russia’s western ports to Asian markets via icy Arctic waters, offering an alternative to traditional routes disrupted by issues in the Suez Canal, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Black Sea region.
Due to conflicts with Iran and in Ukraine, tanker freight rates have reached record levels, leading Asian refiners to seek oil from alternative sources like the Middle East and Latin America. Despite the high tariffs and the need for icebreaker assistance along the NSR, it has become a more cost-effective option compared to the usual Red Sea route to Asia.
For Russia, which controls the NSR, this route provides a secure alternative to European waters, where vessels carrying Russian oil have faced detention this year. Traders estimate that the volume of Russian oil exported through the Arctic route will further increase by 5 to 10 million barrels by the end of the navigation season.
Gazprom Neft, a major Russian oil company, plans to raise its NSR shipments by about 35% this year compared to 2025. Russia also delivers significant amounts of liquid natural gas (LNG) to Asia through the NSR, with expectations of increased LNG supply following the initiation of Arctic LNG shipments. President Vladimir Putin aims to double cargo turnover via the NSR to 70 million tonnes annually by the end of the decade, highlighting the route’s strategic importance.
Moreover, the recent launch of Rosneft’s Vostok Oil project in northern Russia has already contributed to the growing volumes transported through the NSR.
