... contrast to the economically and politically stagnating West. However, for Russia, this re-emergence plays an exceptional role which stirs much uncertainty and mistrust, as once this giant wipes of the rheum around its eyes and springs back full of energy, its only natural room to manoeuvre seems northwards. Even if the world does not tremble, Russia fears that at the least Eurasia will shake. As promised, this is the second post in this special series and once again I am joined by the Head of Oil ...
Euro-Russian relations have strained over the recent years in energy matters as certain vested interests shifted perceptions into the realm of what I would express as logical fallacies – ... ... Russia, this is especially a major issue as all the loans for developing new fields and constructing new pipes are done via long-term contracts. This is vital for Gazprom, as the lending banks absolutely adore long-term contracts, especially if they ...
... system. More specifically, Moscow lacks a clear strategic direction, as the ruling regime is increasingly divided between an official commitment to economic modernisation, on the one hand, and authoritarian consolidation, on the other hand.
Energy Calamity
It is argued by some that the Russo-European relationship has soured creating an anti-Russian stance. Has this occurred due to European attempts to lower gas import prices, or more serious underlining issues? Europe’s potential ...
... perhaps one of the biggest challenges in the upcoming decade as its economy is overly dependent upon natural wealth, but our main European market is quickly becoming less accessible raising the question: where to go? Aside, long-term diversification from energy export dependence, Russia has a relatively shorter-term option: to expand into Asia, but this option is far from easy and requires tricky manoeuvres.
Personal Note: I should have uploaded this particular post on RIAC from the start to make ...
... From Russia With Love:
Xi Jinping visit to Russia was highly symbolic, as is the case with first foreign visits (See: NTS). Energy was at the forefront of the visit with two different outcomes for the oil and gas talks. The other issue was geopolitics ... ... its customers compete against each other (See: Reuters). However, on the brightside Gazprom agreed with China in regards to long-term contracts, thus allowing it to develop the riskier fields as export was more guaranteed. At first, I was sceptical about ...
.... So the Russian population in Central Asia is the key political interest of Russia, with the other interest being of course energy. The integrated transportation system for oil and gas, which existed since the Soviet period, still mainly runs through ... ... Central Asia’s need to diversify its energy exports – have impacted upon Russia’s position. Moreover, the E.U. in particular wants access to Turkmen gas and Kazakh oil and gas, as a way to diversify its energy imports and rely less ...
... and supply spiralled due to shortages resulting in extortionate consumer rates. With long-term contracts such seasonal, speculative and erratic events are less likely.
... ... A recent contract among Russia and Germany which will bear 6% of the latter’s energy needs, shows evolution of the former’s business approach and the fact that... ... Russia’s interests in this interdependent bond as no one else can offer as much gas. E.U. must aid predictability by outlining an energy policy and do so on mutual terms...
The 3rd International Conference coincided with a fairly damp economic climate and unstable political atmosphere across many energy exporting states, thus in all building up naturally not overly optimistic mood. However, in respect to the Russia situation ... ... aiming to agree 10 year long contracts with the Middle East, aside from this being a double-standard as it tends to avoid Russian long-term contracts by saying short-term hub trading without a fixed price is the future, the issue remains that this is not a ...
