PrimeTime | 18 December, 2025

In today’s Prime Time, we covered the following conversations: Azerbaijan has shipped petroleum products to Armenia by rail for the first time in decades, marking a significant step toward economic cooperation and regional integration in the South Caucasus.

The shipment, which left on Thursday, included 22 railway tank wagons carrying 1,220 metric tons of RON 95 gasoline, produced by Azerbaijan’s state-owned oil company SOCAR.

The delivery follows a bilateral agreement reached on 28 November in Gabala between Azerbaijan’s Deputy Prime Minister Shahin Mustafayev and Armenia’s Deputy Prime Minister Mayor Gregorian. Observers have hailed the shipment as a tangible example of turning political commitments into practical cooperation.

“This is the first time since the collapse of the Soviet Union that direct energy trade has resumed between the two former wartime countries,” said Anastasia Lavrina, speaking on AnewZ. “The shipment signals a revival of practical regional connectivity and underscores Azerbaijan’s role as a reliable energy partner in the region.”

The agreement, which also involves Georgia as a transit country, stipulates that the first transit cargo will be shipped free of charge. Future deliveries will be negotiated for appropriate pricing, in line with international standards.

Although the initial shipment is modest in scale, experts say it carries wider significance. “Even small quantities of fuel are important for Armenia,” Lavrina explained. “It provides a degree of energy diversification, which is critical given that over 60% of Armenia’s energy supply has historically relied on Russia. While Azerbaijan is not replacing Russia entirely, this cooperation creates alternative options and strengthens regional ties.”

Beyond energy security, analysts highlight that the move could strengthen trade links, improve regional transport connections, and encourage further economic cooperation between Azerbaijan, Armenia, and neighboring countries. The development is also seen as a positive signal to the international community, demonstrating that the post-war peace process is moving from words and declarations to tangible actions.

“This historic shipment benefits not only Azerbaijan but also Armenia,” Lavrina said. “It has the potential to positively impact Armenian society, the economy, and the broader political landscape, while setting a precedent for increased regional integration in the South Caucasus.”

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