Global energy supply chains are rapidly shifting as new production powerhouses emerge in the Americas and diplomatic disputes sever established liquefied gas contracts in the Asia-Pacific. Meanwhile, strict domestic export controls are beginning to successfully stabilize regional retail fuel markets across the post-Soviet space.
Global market
Guyana has rapidly transformed into a major global energy player, currently pumping nearly one million barrels per day to establish itself as South America’s third-largest oil producer. Concurrently, Taiwan suspended $800 million in spot liquefied natural gas purchases from Papua New Guinea, halting 500,000 metric tons of semi-annual deliveries in direct retaliation for the closure of its diplomatic office in Port Moresby.
In North America, the United States Energy Information Administration reported a massive commercial crude inventory draw of 7.2 million barrels for the week ending July 24, leaving stockpiles at 404.5 million barrels—7% below the five-year seasonal average. Seeking to optimize its own transcontinental logistics, Indian Oil Corp. is strategically bidding for 50% ownership stakes in very large gas carriers holding up to 93,500 cubic meters, aiming to drastically cut freight costs for liquefied petroleum gas imported from the United States.
Russia & CIS
To secure domestic supply, Russia has officially extended its gasoline export ban until the end of 2026. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak clarified that diesel export restrictions will eventually be lifted as the internal market recovers, ensuring local refineries can confidently maintain full operational capacity. Furthermore, long-term regional generation was bolstered as construction formally commenced on the second phase of the Kola nuclear power plant, with the first new unit slated for a 2035 launch.
Federal interventions are yielding tangible economic results, as national weekly inflation slowed to 0.04% and retail diesel prices finally declined. Regionally, local fuel rationing is easing; Kaliningrad Governor Alexey Besprozvannykh announced that operator Baltneft will completely lift sales limits on AI-95 petrol across its stations starting August 1.
Armenia
The United States has aggressively expanded its sanctions against the Iranian energy sector, targeting newly established entities providing maritime insurance and specific “shadow fleet” tankers navigating the Strait of Hormuz. For Armenia, these escalating financial and logistical restrictions on its southern neighbor heavily complicate regional trade and limit alternative hydrocarbon import routes.
According to local political analysts, the development of cross-border infrastructure remains critically stalled, with the construction of the strategic 400 kV third high-voltage power line between Armenia and Iran experiencing severe delays since 2018. Without reliable integration into southern electricity grids, the republic remains fundamentally dependent on tariff-free EAEU natural gas quotas and domestic nuclear power plant baseload generation to insulate retail consumers from surging international market price assessments.