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By Adelin REMY, Editor
Azerbaijan is one of the most important energy transit states between the Caspian region and Europe. The system is dominated by pipelines, but rail, road, maritime, and air cargo also play supporting roles.
During the Soviet period (1917-1991), Azerbaijani oil production was integrated into a centralized Soviet network. Most export routes flowed northward through the Soviet pipeline system toward Russia and other Soviet republics. The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 created an immediate problem as Azerbaijan possessed major oil reserves, export infrastructure remained largely dependent on Russia and Western investors wanted non-Russian export routes. This led to the creation of entirely new corridors...
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