Caspian players plot oil revival
Gas has made most of the recent running, but major producers like Azerbaijan are focusing on boosting crude oil production too
Giant natural gas developments such as Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz have captured the headlines, but the Caspian region's crude oil producers are also ramping up activity as they seek to stem declines in maturing basins. Those plans hit an expected hitch late last year, as two majors, ExxonMobil and Chevron, signalled their intention to pull out of the BP-led Azeri-Chirag-Guneshli (ACG) oilfield development off Azerbaijan, amid indications that costs had increased. The ACG field produced 584,000bl/d on average last year and the prospect of the loss of the two US players on Azerbaijan's main production basin has prompted speculation that expansion ambitions for the field — where output is expected
Also in this section
21 April 2026
After overcoming a COVID-induced demand collapse with several years of successful market management, geopolitical events have conspired to provide the pact’s biggest test to date
21 April 2026
The regime’s policy of using nuclear ambiguity as a deterrent may have failed but it has realised it has other cards to play, while its neighbours are reappraising their approach to security
21 April 2026
As the global energy system undergoes a fundamental realignment, Algihaz Holdings has established itself as a critical player bridging conventional energy markets and the next generation of renewable infrastructure.
21 April 2026
The 25th WPC Energy Congress is taking place from 11-15 October 2026 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center.






