Russia's Economic and Political Developments: Key Insights

The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum and various announcements from prominent Russian officials have generated significant news in the country's economic and political spheres. Key events include Gazprom's potential return to the Azerbaijani gas market, Rosneft's efforts to persuade Chinese investors, and the Russian government's stance on sanctions from the European Union.

Key Takeaways:

• Gazprom may resume gas exports to Azerbaijan after a 10-year break, with CEO Alexei Miller stating the company's readiness to meet Azerbaijan's gas import demands.
• Rosneft's president, Igor Sechin, continues to persuade Chinese partners to invest in Vankorneft, emphasizing the high fundamental value of the asset.
• Igor Sechin expects a radical change in pricing on the world oil market after 2025, citing factors such as the shale revolution and potential changes in resource availability.
• Rosneft's president also does not expect gasoline price surges in Russia, attributing the lack of export to the current supply dynamics.
• The Russian government has transferred 25% plus one share of Bashneft to the ownership of Bashkortostan, with the latter expecting to receive the 2014 dividends on the Bashneft stake.
• Uralkali might delist its shares and become a private company by the end of this year, with a potential merger with one of its shareholders, Dmitry Mazepin's UralChem, being discussed.

Statistics:

• Gazprom may export gas to Azerbaijan in the required volumes, as per the statement of Alexei Miller.
• China's exports of semi-finished aluminum products may rise by nearly one-third in 2015, according to UC Rusal's CEO, Vladislav Soloviev.
• The price of aluminum has recently hit a low point, making it difficult for Rusal to speak about dividend payments.
• The potential share price of Uralkali in a potential merger with one of its shareholders.
• The Russian government has not initiated sanctions against the European Union and views the EU sanctions as ungrounded and illegal.

Sources:

• Gazprom's statement on meeting Azerbaijan's gas demand, St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.
• Rosneft's president, Igor Sechin's, statement on the appeal of Vankorneft to Chinese investors, St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.
• Russian government decree on the transfer of 25% plus one share of Bashneft, official portal for information disclosure.
• Ukrainska Pravda, detailing the potential delisting of Uralkali from stock exchanges and its possible merger with UralChem.