The Azerbaijan-Georgia-Romanian Interconnector (AGRI) project on exporting Azeri gas (LNG) through Georgia and the Black Sea to Romania seems to be one of most promising traffic routes from the Caspian region to Europe. The project is not far off implementation as Turkmenistan is interested in it for exporting its gas. The agreement was signed in Bucharest by the presidents of Turkmenistan and Romania.
Because of the absence of alternative routes Turkmenistan is forced to export gas through Azerbaijan. The traditional export route through the territory of Russia is not suitable for Western conditions, which is aimed at diversification of gas sources and export routs. Iran is banned.
The Baku declaration on AGRI was signed on September 14, 2010. The project is worth 1.2-4.5 billion euro.
The project is important for Azerbaijan as an ability to compete at LNG market. When AGRI begins its operation, Azeri gas resources will enter the European market. At first Azeri gas will be exported to the countries of Central and Eastern Europe and the Balkans. Later after establishing of a solid European gas net Azerbaijan and other countries involving in the project could export resources to Western Europe.
AGRI is of current importance after events which took place in the Middle East and the North Africa. Nabucco project is postponed again, and in this context experts consider AGRI as the best solution of the problem of gas exporting to Europe.
Elmira Tariverdiyeva, Baku. Exclusively for VK.
