Can Russia help fill the global energy gap?

Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have driven up crude oil prices globally, benefiting Russia's energy export revenues at a time when the world faces potential energy supply shortages. The strategic chokepoint, through which a significant portion of global oil shipments pass, has become a flashpoint affecting energy markets worldwide. Higher prices have strengthened Russia's position as a major energy supplier even as Western sanctions constrain its oil exports and production capacity. The question of whether Russia can meaningfully fill global energy gaps depends on its ability to overcome infrastructure constraints and navigate international restrictions on its oil trade. Russia's energy sector remains a critical lever in geopolitical competition, particularly as energy demand pressures mount across developed and developing economies.