Russia has been cutting crude oil exports as it has increased production of oil products from its refineries.
Traders also said that the Black Sea port of Novorossiisk is expected to load 7.4 million tonnes next quarter, down from 8.86 million tonnes. However, shipments of Azerbaijan crude via the port in the fourth quarter has not been yet agreed.
Russian crude exports from the Baltic Sea port of Primorsk were seen down to 11.5 million tonnes in the fourth quarter from 12.5 million tonnes in July-September.
Shipments from the neighbouring port of Ust-Luga were scheduled unchanged, at 6.5 million tonnes.
Fourth-quarter ESPO crude exports from the Pacific port of Kozmino were expected to edge down to 6.10 million tonnes from 6.15 million tonnes.