Now, Russia's oil and gas industry has been a critical
source of revenue throughout the war in Ukraine.
While sanctions have targeted the sector oil production,
it remains steady funding the Russian war machine.
However, a hidden threat is emerging that is a significant
worker shortage.
The Russian military recruitment drive with lucrative sign on bonuses
is pulling workers away from the oil and gas sector.
This is on top of a long standing demographic decline,
a shrinking working age population due to low birth rates
following the Soviet Union's collapse.
The war has exacerbated this issue further.
The oil and gas industry its estimated to be shot
by around 40,000 workers.
To compete with the militaries offers,
companies are raising salaries and offering additional perks.
These include benefits like meals,
medical checkups and even new year presents for kids,
a throwback to Soviet era incentives.
The industry is also struggling to attract younger workers,
relying more on older employees dealing retirement.
Additionally, international sanctions have reduced the flow of foreign workers
as well.
While Russia has managed to maintain oil production levels in
the short term,
the worker shortage raises concerns about the long term sustainability.
Restricted access to Western technology due to sanctions could hinder
the industries ability to maintain and expand production.
Additionally, the lack of skilled personnel may limit the development
of domestic technologies needed to counteract these limitations.
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