Russian Oil and Gas Operators Emerge on Top Despite the Plummeting Oil Prices

Following the news that global oil prices plummeted to an 18-year low on March 18 as a result of the coronavirus-fueled demand shock and the supply shock led by Saudi Arabia cutting oil prices and boosting exports;

Anna Belova, Senior Oil & Gas Analyst at GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, offers her view:

“As U.S. and Saudi companies slash spending in response to plummeting oil prices, Russian oil and gas operators show no signs of slowing down.

“Shielded by devaluing currency and progressive taxes that automatically adjust to oil price, producers in Russia remain above the breakeven level even at crude prices below US$24 per barrel. This price represents a 66% drop from the year high on January 6; however, in Russia, the state absorbed the majority of losses with Mineral Extraction Tax (MET) and export duty decreasing by US$36 for every barrel of crude produced in the country.

“Russian operators further benefit from the rapid devaluation of the Ruble as oil prices decline. The country’s currency closely follows global oil prices. The current exchange rate to the U.S. dollar also represents an 18-year low and this allows for costs in Russia to be significantly reduced when expressed in dollar terms.

“Since all oil services, contracts and labor costs are paid in Russian Rubles, the devaluation effectively represents a reduction in costs by 24% from the year peak. This enables Russian operators to bring combined capital and operating costs to well below US$10 per barrel, keeping them competitive throughout the Saudi-initiated price war and the coronavirus-induced global demand decline.”