Asia Times: Russia Resumes Energy Game in Central Asia

Moscow has moved to resume its gas pipeline game in Central Asia by cutting energy ties with Turkmenistan, despite the latest maneuvers by Ashgabat to mend bilateral ties.

On January 4, Gazprom’s subsidiary Gazpromexport notified TurkmenGaz about its decision to discontinue imports of Turkmen gas. Gazprom was reported to explain the move by the changing situation on the international gas market, as well as financial issues. In response, TurkmenGaz suggested to resume negotiations with Gazpromexport.

Simultaneously, Gazprom indicated plans to increase imports of gas from another Central Asian supplier, Uzbekistan. These plans, as well as the decision to stop imports of Turkmen gas, were apparently aimed to put new pressures on Ashgabat, Moscow main competitor in terms of the gas pipeline game in Central Asia. MORE