Kabul explores energy ties with Russia and regional partners
Kabul is weighing purchases of petroleum products from Russian firms and is considering a potential agreement with Tatneft, a leading energy company from Russia. The information comes from a report by RIA Novosti, referencing statements made by Nuriddin Azizi, Afghanistan’s Minister of Industry and Trade. The report notes that RIA Novosti published the remarks.
Azizi expressed optimism about cultivating favorable relationships with Russian energy players, with a particular emphasis on Tatneft. He indicated that ongoing discussions are likely to continue, signaling a readiness to advance negotiations and explore mutually beneficial terms.
According to Azizi, discussions in 2022 between Afghan authorities and Russian oil sector representatives—some from Tatarstan—centered on meeting Afghanistan’s need to import up to 4 million tons of petroleum products. He explained that Afghanistan currently sources portions of this demand from Iran and Turkmenistan, highlighting a diversified approach to satisfy domestic energy requirements.
In the first half of March, the Russian Ambassador to Afghanistan, Dmitry Zhirnov, announced that Tatarstan entrepreneurs in Kabul signed a memorandum of understanding to develop coal-fired thermal power projects in Afghanistan. The accord signals a shared interest in expanding Afghanistan’s capacity to generate electricity using coal-based facilities, with potential technology transfer and investment involvement from Russian partners.
Earlier in March, Geo-Jade Petroleum, a Chinese oil exploration and production company, stated its readiness to invest in Afghan oil and gas fields. This development underscores Afghanistan’s strategic appeal to international investors seeking access to its natural resources, alongside a broader regional interest from neighbors looking to secure energy supply chains.