**Georgia Switches to Azerbaijani Gas: A Shift in the Long-Standing Trend**
For the first time in 18 years, Georgia has paid more for natural gas imports from Azerbaijan than from Russia. This significant change comes as a surprise, considering the country’s historical reliance on Russian gas. According to figures released by the Georgian Statistical Office (Geostat), in the first quarter of 2025, Georgia imported a total of $183.05 million worth of natural gas.
**Russian Gas No Longer the Main Supplier**
Out of this amount, $100.6 million was spent on Russian gas, while $82.4 million was allocated to Azerbaijani gas. This shift marks a notable change in the long-standing trend of increasing Russian gas share in recent years. Until 2007, Russia was Georgia’s main supplier of natural gas. However, following the launch of the Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum pipeline in 2006 and the subsequent spy row between Georgia and Russia in 2006, the country shifted its focus to the Azerbaijani market.
**Azerbaijan Takes the Lead**
By 2009, Azerbaijani gas had already overtaken Russian imports. That year, Georgia imported $73.9 million worth of natural gas — $43 million from Azerbaijan and $30.9 million from Russia. Since then, Russian gas purchase has accounted for a significant share of total imports, peaking at 55% this year. The sudden change in trend suggests that Georgia’s energy landscape is evolving.
**What Does This Mean?**
The shift to Azerbaijani gas marks a significant departure from the historical reliance on Russian energy sources. While Russia remains a key player in Georgia’s energy market, Azerbaijan has emerged as the dominant supplier. This development could have far-reaching implications for the country’s energy security and geopolitics. As the world continues to grapple with energy shortages and geopolitical tensions, Georgia’s decision to switch to Azerbaijani gas is a telling sign of the changing dynamics in the region.
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