Hard Numbers
Hard number: Russia’s oil windfall
The revenue generated by Russia’s main oil tax in April amid the Iran war, per Reuters calculations. The amount is double last month’s revenue, and up by 10% from this time last year.
Natalie Johnson
April 09, 2026
The Iran war has pushed Brent crude prices to $100 per barrel, up from around $70 before the conflict began. One of the main beneficiaries was a country not fighting in the war: Russia. The Kremlin relies heavily on its oil and gas exports, which account for between 30% and 50% of the government’s budget. As such, the global surge in prices has provided a welcome boost to Moscow amid its own war effort in Ukraine.
More For You
When eager minds need a weekend pass to an unforgettable museum, we are there. Learn more.
Most Popular
- YouTube
America used to be the anchor of the global humanitarian system, David Miliband tells Ian Bremmer on GZERO World, but after the US pullback of foreign aid, the world is confronting the consequences of what happens when that anchor is pulled up.
In the Pacific Northwest, acoustic monitoring is helping detect endangered southern resident orcas and alert nearby vessels in real time. By combining underwater sensors, edge computing, and AI, Microsoft and conservation partners are helping ships reduce noise and collision risks in critical feeding areas. The initiative offers a glimpse of how emerging technologies can support biodiversity conservation while balancing environmental and commercial interests. Read the full story here.
- YouTube
In his latest Quick Take, Ian Bremmer asks whether the United States should be pushing countries to choose between American and Chinese technology as the AI race accelerates.
© 2025 GZERO Media. All Rights Reserved | A Eurasia Group media company.