New Delhi, Sept. 1 -- Russia is expecting its oil production to fall to its lowest level in 17 years this year, even as crude exports rise, with India and China emerging as the main destinations for additional Russian oil amid disruptions caused by the war in Ukraine.

According to a Russian government draft forecast seen by Reuters, crude production is expected to decline by 17.2 million metric tonnes in 2026 to 494.2 million tonnes, or 9.88 million barrels per day.

That would be Russia's lowest annual output since 2009.

The forecast is expected to be finalised later in September 2026 and will be used in preparing the country's budget.

Despite the decline in production, Russia expects its crude exports to increase this year, Reuters r...