Slovakia seeks Azerbaijani gas to cut Russia dependence

Slovak oil and gas company Slovensky plynarensky priemysel (SPP) is negotiating with around 20 potential suppliers, including the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR), as the European Union moves to phase out Russian gas, SPP said on a social media post.

“Following the new EU legislation and the adoption of the regulation for a gradual cessation of natural gas imports from Russia, SPP is seeking new partners capable of supplying the required gas volumes at reasonable prices. Currently, we are in talks with about 20 companies, including SOCAR,” the company said, per Caliber.Az.

SPP noted that it tested cooperation with SOCAR in December 2024 under a pilot project for short-term gas deliveries. “Considering SOCAR’s important role in the global natural gas market, we see it as a key partner capable of significantly contributing to SPP’s gas supplies,” the statement added.

SPP representatives also attended the 12th Advisory Council meeting on the Southern Gas Corridor, held in Baku on March 3. Participants included SPP Chairman Juraj Ondris, CEO Martin Huska, and Sales Director Michal Lalik.

The meeting aimed to coordinate strategic energy partnerships between Azerbaijan, the EU, and other partner countries to strengthen Europe’s energy security and diversify supplies.

SOCAR began gas deliveries to Slovakia under a short-term pilot contract on December 1, 2024, following an agreement signed on November 12, 2024.