BTC operatorship to SOCAR: bp transferred operatorship of the Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan pipeline (and common operatorship with the South Caucasus Pipeline) to SOCAR at a Sangachal ceremony marking BTC’s 20th anniversary, underscoring safety and reliability as Azerbaijan deepens its energy corridor role. Middle Corridor push: Finance Minister Sahil Babayev told the BSTDB forum that the Middle Corridor’s strategic value is rising as geopolitical risks grow, with Azerbaijan investing across highways, rail, air and water links. BSTDB Business Forum 2026: The forum opened in Baku under Azerbaijan’s chairmanship, focusing on connecting markets, diversifying the economy and financing SMEs. Azerbaijan oil price: Azeri Light (CIF) fell $2.88 to $72.46/bbl, with the state budget based on $65. Road in liberated territories: Construction of the Asgaran–Khojaly–Khankendi highway hit 86% completion, with earthworks done and asphalt-concrete works underway. EU–Armenia trade lifeline: EU President von der Leyen announced €52mn support and proposed tariff-free access for ~80% of Armenian exports to the EU amid Russian pressure. Kulevi refinery pivot: Georgia’s Kulevi refinery plans to stop processing Russian crude in Aug–Sep 2026, switching to non-Russian supplies and expanding output. AccessBank campaign: AccessBank launched discounts up to 50% for new business customers on selected services through Sept 1, 2026. Central bank talks: Azerbaijan’s Central Bank delegation met Swiss officials in Tashkent to discuss macro trends and financial-sector cooperation.