EU Steps Up Pressure: 20th Sanctions Package Targets Russia’s Energy, Finance and Evasion Schemes

In Baku on Thursday, the discussion was less about current oil flows than about their future geography. The II Oil Trade and Transport Forum “Caspian and Central Asia,” held on April 23, evolved into a conversation about risks and vulnerabilities in the global energy system rather than the familiar issues of production and pricing.

The synchronized publication of an anonymous article sharply criticizing Prime Minister Ali Asadov in several pro-government media outlets last week may reflect both a response to a localized social conflict and possible signals within the political elite, analysts say.

Государственный нефтяной фонд Азербайджана reported broadly stable assets and balanced cash flows in the first quarter, as strong oil revenues and large transfers to the state budget offset volatility in global financial markets, according to its quarterly disclosure.

On April 20, a court hearing was held at the Baku Court for Serious Crimes, chaired by Aygun Gurbanova, in the criminal case of human rights defender Rufat Safarov.