Russia’s Foreign Ministry issued a stark warning to Armenia regarding severe economic losses should Yerevan withdraw from the EAEU, while Moscow expanded its energy footprint in Asia. Meanwhile, Hungary’s Paks Nuclear Power Plant reduced power output following a mechanical failure, and a pipeline fire interrupted gas transit in southern Russia.
Global market
Hungary’s state-owned MVM Paksi Atomerőmű Zrt. reduced the power output of Unit 2 at the Paks Nuclear Power Plant by 150 MW following a mechanical equipment malfunction. In Asian trade, China increased its imports of Russian crude oil by 18.1% during the first eight months of 2026, according to the General Administration of Customs of China. Concurrently, Chinese imports of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) rose 28.3% over the same period. This pivot toward Asian markets continues to absorb diverted Russian oil and gas volumes, compensating for European import restrictions and sustaining steady bilateral energy trade flows.
Russia & CIS
A pipeline segment between Anapa and Vityazevo was shut down following a gas fire, 1prime.ru reported, as emergency crews worked to isolate the damaged line. In Perm Krai, municipal gas services responded to a residential gas explosion that injured five people. Despite localized infrastructure incidents, Russia’s unified gas supply system maintained stable delivery to major domestic consumers. Meanwhile, Nizhny Novgorod International Airport received 20 flights diverted from Moscow airspace following flight safety restrictions in the capital region.
Armenia
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned Armenia of huge economic costs if Yerevan exits the EAEU, 1prime.ru reported. Russian diplomats emphasized that severing integration ties would end preferential terms on energy imports, including natural gas and refined petroleum products. Despite regional geopolitical friction and transit debate, retail prices for petrol, diesel, and compressed natural gas in Armenia remain stable. Domestic fuel supply continuity is secured by long-term mechanisms under the EAEU, which shield consumers from price volatility recorded by international market price assessments.