AI in Energy: SOCAR is using AI to improve reservoir modeling, drilling optimization and infrastructure management, while Azerbaijan’s broader energy demand picture shows digitalization can boost efficiency without shrinking overall power needs. IsDB & Digital Growth: At IsDB’s Baku meetings, stakeholders discussed AI and shared digital infrastructure to help member states scale trusted platforms, with Azerbaijan positioning itself as a regional digital hub. Sukuk Push: Azerbaijan is preparing its first sukuk sale as part of a push to broaden capital markets and deepen Islamic finance. Non-oil Export Support: A new state mechanism will reimburse customs clearance costs for micro, small and medium exporters of non-oil/non-gas goods, aiming to lift competitiveness abroad. Caspian Oil Spill: SOCAR identified a damaged underwater pipeline near Dubendi as the source of an oil slick and suspended flows while repairs and cleanup are underway. Armenia Fuel & Transit Trade: Azerbaijan sent about 1,000 tons of diesel to Armenia by rail and continued transit of Russian grain via Azerbaijan, underscoring growing corridor trade flows. Urea Revenue Cushion: Higher global urea prices offset lower export volumes, limiting the drop in Azerbaijan’s fertilizer export revenues. Regional Energy Output: Azerbaijan’s gas production rose slightly in Jan–May 2026, while export revenues fell on lower prices.