In the first half of this year, Russia's clandestine oil fleet expansion has countered Western sanctions, as reported by the KSE Institute. The addition of 74 new tankers, compared to the 49 vessels sanctioned, has played a significant role in stabilizing oil discounts and maintaining export revenues.

The KSE Institute, a Kyiv School of Economics affiliate known for advocating stringent sanctions on Russia, highlights that the increase in vessels has prevented a rise in Russian oil discounts. Despite Western sanctions targeting some ships, the overall shadow fleet's capacity remains steady, with export prices for Russian crude only $12.50 below the Brent benchmark.

The trend extends to refined fuels, where over 100 new tankers have begun transporting Russian products this year. The expanding fleet's ability to offset sanctions underscores ongoing global concerns over its growth.