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SOCAR has completed the acquisition of a 99.82% stake in Italiana Petroli (IP) from API Holding after receiving all required regulatory approvals.
Founded more than 90 years ago, Italiana Petroli is one of Italy’s leading energy and mobility companies, operating an integrated industrial and logistics network that includes two refineries, storage facilities and a nationwide fuel retail system.
The acquisition officially brings IP into the SOCAR group, significantly strengthening the Azerbaijani energy company’s presence in the European market.
The deal forms part of SOCAR’s long-term strategy to expand its integrated energy value chain and reinforce its footprint across Europe, with Italy remaining a key market in the company’s regional portfolio.
SOCAR is already a major crude oil supplier to Italy through the Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan pipeline and also contributes to diversifying Italy’s gas supplies via the Southern Gas Corridor.
According to the company, the acquisition supports its broader objective of building a more integrated and resilient international portfolio capable of adapting to evolving market conditions while aligning with sustainability priorities.
SOCAR President Rovshan Najaf described the acquisition as an important milestone in the long-standing energy partnership between Azerbaijan and Italy.
“The completion of this acquisition marks an important milestone in the longstanding energy collaboration between Azerbaijan and Italy,” he said.
He added that the deal reflects years of economic cooperation and mutual trust between the two countries, while reaffirming SOCAR’s commitment to operational continuity, stability and long-term growth in Italy.
Najaf also said the integration of IP’s network and expertise would strengthen SOCAR’s position in Europe while maintaining the qualities that have shaped IP’s success over decades.
SOCAR said it intends to preserve and further develop IP’s strong market standing, operational capacity, and brand reputation. The company also stressed its commitment to supporting employees, maintaining continuity for customers and partners, and building on the professionalism and expertise already within the business.
Overnight Iranian strikes on an air base in Jordan damaged multiple U.S. aircraft and left one without a wing, American media reported. Meanwhile, explosions were heard across parts of southern Iran according to local media reports.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in New Delhi on Friday to attend the weekend BRICS summit, amid the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict, joining a host of foreign dignitaries.
Ukrainian forces struck a Russian oil refinery in Siberia and a seaport in Dagestan in the past 24 hours, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. He will meet Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Thursday to discuss air defences for Ukraine over winter.
Mexico and the U.S. are racing to secure a trade deal before the U.S. midterm elections in less than eight weeks, according to six sources familiar with the talks, with failed negotiations between Washington and Canada adding urgency.
A Russian strike on a gas station in Kyiv has killed two people, the city's Mayor Vitali Klitschko said in a statement on Telegram. In Russia, online marketplace Ozon has suspended operations in Saratov, southwestern Russia, following a drone strike on a warehouse in the region.
Uzbekistan plans to introduce a new Heritage Impact Assessment system to shield historic cities and cultural heritage sites from the potential impact of construction and infrastructure development. Digital tools will also be used to manage tourist numbers and limit visitors where necessary.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepening its partnership with the Gates Foundation, with talks spanning polio eradication, health, financial inclusion and digital development.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in New Delhi on Friday to attend the weekend BRICS summit, amid the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict, joining a host of foreign dignitaries.
Georgia’s top security official has held face-to-face talks with his Azerbaijani counterpart in China, with both sides pledging to deepen intelligence cooperation amid growing global security challenges.
More than 46,000 people have been displaced in Yemen since fighting escalated last week, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said on Friday, warning that the number is rising “by the hour”.
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