Russia is one of the world's largest hydrocarbon resource holders, producers, and exporters, with nearly 6 percent of global proved oil reserves, 13 percent of the world's oil production, 12 percent of global oil exports, 17 percent of the global gas reserves, 19 percent of global gas production, and 24 percent of global cross-border gas trade in 2013. It is a dominant oil and gas supplier both for the European Union and the Commonwealth of Independent States, and holds great influence over both markets.

Russia is now going through an uncertain and difficult economic and energy transition. The economic slowdown, ongoing since 2012, was exacerbated in 2014 by dual external shocks from the sharp decline in oil prices and the imposition of financial and technology-oriented sanctions. Together with shifting markets for Russia's exports and its own domestic economic and political dynamics, these factors are spurring dramatic and impactful changes in the Russian domestic oil and gas strategy, as well as its view toward future energy markets and energy-based geopolitical alliances. These changes, while not yet complete or predetermined, will impact geopolitics, energy security, oil and gas revenue to the health of the Russian economy, and Russia's role as a hydrocarbon exporter and provider of oil and gas infrastructure, it is critical for analysts and policymakers to understand the evolution of Russia's oil and gas sector and its anticipated realignment.

This study is focused on how the Russian oil and gas sector is evolving and might continue to change under current circumstances. It includes a summary of the changes that have taken place to date, an examination of future potential changes under a range of oil price scenarios, and the potential means Russia might use to overcome those challenges.

This content is available on the CSIS' website: Shifting Political Economy of Russian Oil and Gas