The State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) has announced the commencement of natural gas deliveries to SPP, the largest state-owned energy supplier of Slovakia, on December 1, as part of a short-term pilot agreement.

By Asif Aydinli

Historically, like many Central European countries, Slovakia has been heavily reliant on Russian natural gas. Slovensky plynarensky priemysel (SPP), the country's largest gas operator, has traditionally secured energy supplies at relatively low prices thanks to a longstanding contract with Russian suppliers. However, political risks, economic costs, and the potential end of transit through Ukraine by the end of 2023 have compelled the country to seek alternative energy sources to reduce its dependence on Russia.