Russian producers set for good year
First quarter results thus far point to a solid recovery. The rest of the year could be even better
It is clear, midway through the Russian oil and gas reporting season, that there has been a solid rebound in the first quarter of 2021 after a 2020 devastated by the Covid pandemic. Revenue and Ebitda are up by 11-23pc and 14-66pc quarter-on-quarter, respectively, for the companies that have reported. And we expect favourable oil prices (+32pc year-to-date), a weaker rouble due to geopolitical risks, and Opec+ easing production curbs—+2-4pc year-on-year production growth is anticipated for Russian oil firms—to provide a strong basis for full-year 2021 financials. Russian companies are highly likely to return to investors’ radars, given they are trading at 50pc profit-to-earnings discounts to
Also in this section
23 January 2026
A strategic pivot away from Russian crude in recent weeks tees up the possibility of improved US-India trade relations
23 January 2026
The signing of a deal with a TotalEnergies-led consortium to explore for gas in a block adjoining Israel’s maritime area may breathe new life into the country’s gas ambitions
22 January 2026
As Saudi Arabia pushes mining as a new pillar of its economy, Saudi Aramco is positioning itself at the intersection of hydrocarbons, minerals and industrial policy
22 January 2026
New long-term deal is latest addition to country’s rapidly evolving supply portfolio as it eyes role as regional gas hub






