As of December 1, 2024, Azerbaijan's state-owned company SOCAR has begun supplying natural gas to Slovakia's SPP, the largest state energy supplier in Slovakia.
This was reported by SOCAR's press service.
The supply is part of a short-term contract between SOCAR and SPP.
"Both companies aim to develop a long-term energy partnership," SOCAR stated.
Through these supplies, SOCAR continues to diversify its export routes. Slovakia becomes the 12th country to receive Azerbaijani gas, joining Turkey, Georgia, Italy, Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Serbia, Slovenia, Croatia, and North Macedonia.
The agreement between Russia and Ukraine for the export of Russian gas to Europe via Ukrainian territory will expire at the end of 2024. As a result, Slovakia and other EU countries are seeking alternative sources, one of which is Azerbaijan.
Russia has stated that it is ready to continue supplying gas via Ukraine. However, due to the ongoing war, Ukraine has refused to participate in negotiations with Russia regarding the export of gas through its territory.