West Siberian

Commentary

The basin is prolific and remains relatively underexplored, but comprehensive sanctions, including on Rosneft and Lukoil, the seizure of foreign assets and the war in Ukraine make investment impossible for Western companies. Outlook: Negative.

Updated

October 12, 2026

Location

Description

The WSB basin is the largest basin in the world covering an area of about 2.2mm sq. km. The Basin occupies a swampy plain between the Ural Mountains and the Yenisey River. On the north, the Basin extends offshore into the southern Kara Sea. On the west, north, and east, the WSB is surrounded by the Ural, Yenisey Ridge, and Turukhan-Igarka foldbelts formed during the Hercynian tectonic event and the Novaya Zemlya foldbelt that was deformed in early Cimmerian (Triassic) time. The Basin is a relatively undeformed Mesozoic sag that overlies the Hercynian accreted terrane and the Early Triassic rift system.

Summary

While a prolific basin, it remains relatively under explored. The key issues for the Basin will be geopolitical tensions.