Deliveries from Russia reportedly reached about 60,000 barrels per day in 2026, up 75% from the previous year, while prediction markets show limited odds of a near-term crude record high.
Syria has reportedly agreed to reduce imports of Russian oil as part of discussions with the United States over sanctions, according to a Reuters report cited by Zero Hedge. The move comes after Syria's purchases of Russian crude rose sharply, with deliveries reaching about 60,000 barrels per day in 2026, up 75% from the previous year. The talks fit into broader U.S. efforts to curb Russia's oil revenue through sanctions, a pressure tool that can affect trade flows and regional supply patterns. Markets cited in the report suggest only modest immediate concern about a supply shock: pricing for crude oil reaching a new all-time high by September 30 stands at 4% YES, while pricing for a record high by December 31 is 11.5% YES. What to watch next is whether Syria or the U.S. officially confirms the reported import cuts, how Russia responds, and whether OPEC (oil-producing group) output changes or fresh Middle East tensions shift the outlook for crude by year-end.