Caspian Sea

Kazakhstan is again looking to the potential of a Trans-Caspian pipeline, but do plans to diversify oil export routes just hitch the Kazakh economy further to a doomed fossil fuel industry?

Last week, KazMunayGas published a letter sent by BP in October 2020 backing out of negotiations as the company looks to focus on renewables.

The convention signed last year still has not been ratified by Russia or Iran.

Successful realization of the opportunities opened by the deal will depend on political will among the Caspian littoral states.

The landmark agreement settles some Caspian Sea issues, but leaves others open for further discussion.

Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan’s aims to diversify their energy export markets got a boost recently.

Beyond economic relations, Moscow and Ashgabat are increasingly seeking security cooperation.

Turkmenistan’s no closer to seeing its gas reach the European markets it once envisioned.

Pipelines and politics, both foreign and domestic.

OPEC promises a plan November 30, but in the meantime members and non-members dither on cuts and freezes.

The route avoids Russia, plays into the opening of Iran and pleases China.