EU's energy independence policy boosts gas exports from Caspian countries

The European Union's energy independence policy has led to a decline in Russian gas production, while Caspian countries have increased their exports, Tamara Safonova, CEO of NAANS-Media, stated during the "Caspian and Central Asia – Refining, Petrochemicals, Trade, Logistics" event held in Baku, Report informs.

Safonova noted that the EU"s strategy to reduce reliance on Russian energy resources has resulted in lower gas exports to Europe and, consequently, a drop in Russia's gas output.

"In contrast, a different picture is emerging among Caspian countries-Iran, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan. Iran has significantly increased gas production, Turkmenistan is also seeing growth, and Kazakhstan has maintained stability in recent years. Additionally, Uzbekistan shows a declining trend. In some countries-particularly Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan-official statistics combine commercial and associated gas volumes, which may make total figures appear twice as high."

Despite the decline in Russian production, Safonova emphasized that Central Asian countries are keen to expand access to European markets: "To this end, new agreements are being prepared to increase exports and swap deliveries from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan, along with Iran. These efforts will also help meet rising regional demand, especially in Kazakhstan's northern regions, where the population is growing rapidly and gas supply needs are increasing."