Category: Azer News

Global oil markets have witnessed a significant increase in the price of Azerbaijani crude, AzerNEWS reports.

On April 9, the price of Azeri Light crude oil rose by $4.59, or 3.8%, to reach $125.03 per barrel.

The minimum price for Azeri Light crude was recorded on April 21, 2020, at just $15.81 per barrel. The all-time high for the commodity was set in July 2008, when it reached $149.66 per barrel.

It should be noted that the previous price of Azerbaijani oil was US$ 120.44.

Azerbaijan’s 2026 state budget is based on an average oil price of $65 per barrel.

Global oil benchmarks, Brent and West Texas Intermediate (WTI), experienced slight price increases on major exchanges.

The price of a barrel of Brent crude oil climbed by $0.89, settling at $96.81.

Simultaneously, on the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX), light crude oil also saw an upward movement, with its price rising by $0.78 to reach $98.65 per barrel.

First Lady Melania Trump has denied any connections to Jeffrey Epstein, telling reporters at the White House that claims linking her to him ‘need to end today’, AzerNEWS reports, citing foreign media.

In an unexpected statement on Thursday, the First Lady also called for congressional hearings focused on survivors of Epstein’s sex trafficking network, emphasizing the importance of giving victims a platform to speak.

She further dismissed online rumors suggesting that Epstein introduced her to Donald Trump, calling them ‘mean-spirited attempts to defame my reputation.’

It remains unclear what prompted the statement. However, it quickly drew mixed reactions from Epstein survivors. One survivor, Lisa Phillips, described the move as ‘bold,’ but also questioned what further steps the First Lady might take to support victims.

There had been no prior indication from her office that such a statement would be made, and the White House did not include the topic in its daily briefing schedule.

President Donald Trump told MS Now that he was not aware of his wife’s announcement in advance. However, The New York Times later reported that a spokesperson for Melania Trump said the president knew she planned to speak, though it was unclear whether he was informed about the specific subject of her remarks.

Melania Trump also stated that she was never a victim of Epstein, saying she only briefly ‘crossed paths’ with him around 2000.

Interestingly, the statement has reignited public attention on Epstein-related cases, which continue to generate political and legal debate years after his death. Analysts note that any high-profile comments from political figures on the case often lead to renewed scrutiny and media speculation.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 294,128 vehicles in the United States due to a defect that could cause seat belt fasteners to detach, AzerNEWS reports.

According to the U.S. auto safety regulator, a loose or disconnected seat belt may fail to properly restrain passengers, significantly increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

The agency stated that authorized dealers will inspect the affected vehicles and, if necessary, reinforce or replace the seat belt components at no cost to owners.

Interestingly, vehicle recalls related to safety systems such as seat belts and airbags are treated with the highest priority, as even minor defects can have serious consequences. Industry experts note that modern cars rely heavily on integrated safety systems, meaning that a single faulty component can compromise overall passenger protection.

Precious metals experienced a downward correction during the latest trading session on the COMEX in New York, as investors reacted to a strengthening U.S. dollar and evolving geopolitical signals, AzerNews reports.

Both gold and silver retreated from their recent positions, marking a day of profit-taking across the commodities sector.

The price of a troy ounce of gold fell by 28.1, settling at 4,789.9, according to trading platform data. This decline represents a notable cooling off for the yellow metal, which has seen unprecedented growth throughout early 2026.

Silver mirrored gold’s movement, though its decline was more measured. The white metal dropped by 0.25, reaching a closing price of 76.19 per troy ounce.

In a commentary for the Wall Street Journal, Thu Lan Nguyen, an analyst at Commerzbank, highlighted a pivotal shift in investor sentiment.

“The market is losing ground because investors are increasingly focused on the inflationary risks triggered by the war in the Middle East,” Nguyen noted.

Meanwhile, the price of a barrel of Brent crude oil climbed by $0.89, settling at $96.81.

Simultaneously, on the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX), light crude oil also saw an upward movement, with its price rising by $0.78 to reach $98.65 per barrel.

In March, factory-gate prices in China increased, marking a notable shift after 41 months of continuous decline, AzerNEWS reports.

According to China’s National Bureau of Statistics, the producer price index (PPI) rose by 0.5% in March compared to the same period last year. This modest growth signals a potential recovery in the industrial sector.

Dong Lijuan, an expert at the Bureau of Statistics, explained that the rise in the PPI is largely driven by a rebound in global commodity prices, as well as improving supply and demand conditions within the domestic economy.

On a monthly basis, the PPI increased by 1% in March, representing the sixth consecutive month of growth and suggesting a steady upward trend in production costs.

Meanwhile, the consumer price index (CPI), a key measure of inflation, rose by 1% year-on-year in March, indicating relatively stable consumer price growth.

Interestingly, the simultaneous rise in both producer and consumer prices may point to a gradual normalization of China’s economy after a prolonged period of deflationary pressure. Economists note that if this trend continues, it could boost industrial profits but may also lead to higher prices for consumers in the coming months.

According to preliminary data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), released on Thursday, the birth rate in the United States reached a record low last year, continuing an almost two-decade-long decline, AzerNEWS reports.

Fewer women are choosing to have children amid shifting social and economic conditions. According to the agency, the overall birth rate in the U.S. has fallen by nearly 23% since 2007.

Experts link this trend to changing priorities among younger generations, including a more competitive job market, expanded career opportunities, rising living costs, and increased personal and professional responsibilities, all of which make parenthood less appealing. As Wellesley College economics professor Philip Levine noted, these factors significantly influence demographic behavior.

In 2025, approximately 3.6 million babies were born in the United States, a 1% decrease compared to the previous year. The total fertility rate-the number of births per 1,000 women aged 15 to 44-also declined by 1%, reaching 53.1.

Interestingly, this level is far below the so-called ‘replacement rate’ of about 2.1 children per woman, which is needed for a population to remain stable without immigration. As a result, the United States, like many developed countries, increasingly relies on immigration to offset slow population growth and sustain long-term economic stability.

On April 10, Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene visited the Icherisheher State Historical-Architectural Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Baku, AzerNEWS reports.

The Lithuanian premier was briefed on the history of Icherisheher, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, as well as ongoing restoration, conservation, and improvement works carried out in the area.

Officials noted that the area of Icherisheher preserves rare architectural monuments dating back to various centuries, reflecting Azerbaijan’s rich cultural heritage.

During the visit, the Prime Minister was introduced to the iconic Maiden Tower, where she received detailed information about its construction. It was noted that the foundations of the tower date back to the 7th-6th centuries BC, while it was reconstructed in the 12th century. The structure stands 28 meters tall, with a diameter of 16-16.5 meters, consisting of a cylindrical main tower and a large supporting structure attached on the southern side.

The delegation also toured the Bukhara Caravanserai, a 15th-century architectural monument of national importance. Ruginiene was informed about its historical role as a shelter for Central Asian merchants along ancient trade routes, as well as its recent restoration. The project, implemented under a decree by Ilham Aliyev, has restored the caravanserai to its former grandeur while preserving its architectural and engineering features.

Visitors to the site can also observe traditional craftsmanship processes, explore the creation of national art pieces, and purchase unique souvenirs.

As part of the cultural experience, the Lithuanian Prime Minister was treated to traditional tandoor bread.

The visit concluded with a tour of the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, a masterpiece of medieval Eastern architecture and a monument of global historical significance. Built in the early 15th century, the complex is situated at the highest point of one of Icherisheher’s hills, offering clear views of the Caspian Sea and the surrounding elevations. It continues to retain its historical and architectural prominence to this day.

The Japanese government is reportedly considering withdrawing enough oil from its strategic reserves to cover 20 days of domestic consumption, AzerNEWS reports.

Since mid-March, Tokyo has already been tapping into its reserves to meet roughly 45 days of demand. Authorities now plan to continue this process into May, amid concerns that a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz could persist.

Officials in Tokyo believe that, thanks to its strategic reserves, Japan will be able to fully meet the country’s domestic oil needs through the end of 2026, even in the face of potential disruptions.

Amid rising tensions with Iran and growing restrictions on shipping in the Persian Gulf, Japan is actively seeking alternative sources of oil. Currently, around 95 percent of the country’s energy imports come from the Middle East, much of it passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies.

Analysts note that Japan’s strategy underscores the country’s reliance on Middle Eastern oil and highlights the broader geopolitical vulnerability of energy-dependent nations. Some experts suggest that this could accelerate Japan’s push toward diversifying energy sources, including renewables and LNG, to reduce exposure to regional crises.

Interestingly, Japan’s moves could set a precedent for other energy-importing countries to preemptively tap strategic reserves in times of geopolitical tension, potentially reshaping global oil markets.

Azerbaijan is renowned for its rich and diverse plant life, with thousands of species thriving across its varied landscapes.

To better understand and document this natural wealth, the Institute of Botany of the Ministry of Science and Education has launched a major scientific research program titled “Synopsis of the Azerbaijan’s Flora,” AzerNEWS reports.

The program aims to systematically study the country’s flora, exploring everything from common plant species to rare and endemic varieties unique to Azerbaijan. The research will culminate in the publication of a comprehensive book, “Synopsis of the Azerbaijan’s Flora,” scheduled for release by the end of the year.

Leading this ambitious project is Professor Seyyara Ibadullayeva

The Azerbaijan is distinguished by its exceptionally rich and diverse flora. More than 4,500 species of flowering plants grow across the country, making its plant life significantly more varied than that of other South Caucasus nations. Overall, Azerbaijan accounts for about 66 percent of all plant species found in the Caucasus region.

The country is also notable for its abundance of relict plant species dating back to the Tertiary period. These species are found throughout Azerbaijan, but are especially widespread in the Talysh region. Among them are ironwood, Lankaran acacia, chestnut-leaved oak, Caucasian persimmon, and boxwood. In addition, around 240 plant species are endemic, meaning they grow naturally only within the country.

Azerbaijan’s vegetation includes nearly all major plant distribution types, such as ancient forest, boreal, steppe, xerophytic, desert, Caucasian, and adventive types. Ancient forest vegetation is most prominent in the Talysh region, while boreal plants are typical of the mountainous zones of the Greater and Lesser Caucasus. Steppe, desert, and xerophytic vegetation dominate the plains and foothills, particularly in the Kura-Araz Lowland, where dry conditions favor these plant communities.

Wetland ecosystems are also widespread, especially in lowland areas, coastal zones, and around lakes and marshes. These environments support dense reed beds and a variety of aquatic and semi-aquatic plants. Along riverbanks, irrigation canals, and swampy areas, tall grasses and reed thickets form distinctive landscapes. On the Absheron Peninsula, sandy habitats host rare and short-lived plants that grow rapidly in spring and disappear just as quickly.

Forest ecosystems in Azerbaijan are highly diverse and vary by region and elevation. Tugay forests grow along major rivers such as the Kura River and the Araz, where species like poplar, willow, and elm are common.

Lowland forests in regions such as Guba-Khachmaz and Karabakh include oak, hawthorn, and medlar trees. The forests of the Talysh region are particularly unique, forming part of ancient Hyrcanian ecosystems with relict species and dense vegetation.

In mountainous areas of the Greater and Lesser Caucasus, broadleaf forests are found at elevations between 600 and 1,800 meters, dominated by oak and Oriental beech.

Azerbaijan’s diverse landscapes and climates make it one of the most botanically and ecologically rich regions in the Caucasus.

Saudi Arabia’s 2030 vision lays out a blueprint for the kingdom’s long-term goals and expectations reflecting its strengths and capabilities. Some of the principles target the kingdom becoming a “global investment powerhouse” and aim to transform the country’s unique strategic location into a global hub connecting three continents, Asia, Europe and Africa.

A key objective of Vision 2030 is to reduce the Kingdom’s reliance on oil revenues, particularly in light of fluctuating oil prices. The plan aims to attract private capital and foreign investment to stimulate growth in non-oil sectors. With a focus on diversifying its economy away from oil dependence, Vision 2030 encompasses a wide array of projects and investments that promise to redefine the future of Saudi Arabia.

The program also includes plans to privatize state-owned enterprises, including parts of the oil sector, which can attract foreign investment and expertise. Initiatives to streamline regulations and improve the business environment are being implemented to encourage entrepreneurship and innovation.

Azerbaijan’s evolving economic and strategic ties with Saudi Arabia represent another edge of Vision 2030’s broader ambitions. The deepening relationship reflects Azerbaijan’s pivot toward diversified partnerships beyond its traditional markets. According to the Central Bank of Azerbaijan, direct investments in Saudi Arabia surged to $15.789 million in 2025, a remarkable increase that underscores the growing engagement between the two countries.

Despite this sharp rise, Azerbaijan’s investments in Saudi Arabia still account for only 0.6% of its total outward foreign direct investment (FDI), indicating significant potential for further expansion. At the macro level, while foreign direct investment into Azerbaijan’s economy saw a decline, its outward FDI rose substantially by 43.4%, signaling a shift towards a more outward-looking investment strategy.

Economist Fuad Gasimov noted that investment relations between Azerbaijan and Saudi Arabia are becoming increasingly strategic, especially within the framework of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the Kingdom’s economy beyond oil. In his comment for AzerNEWS, Azerbaijan’s recent progress in key areas that bring the country in focus. F Gasimov says that Azerbaijan is emerging as an important partner due to its strategic geographic position at the crossroads of key transport corridors linking Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East, as well as its ongoing economic transformation focused on non-oil sectors, infrastructure, digitalization, and green energy. He emphasized that the interests of both countries are well aligned: Saudi Arabia is seeking new avenues for global capital expansion, while Azerbaijan is looking for long-term strategic investors. According to him, this cooperation is already evolving beyond traditional diplomacy into deeper institutional partnerships involving sovereign wealth funds, government bodies, and private-sector players.

Moreover, Gasimov highlighted that Azerbaijan offers several highly attractive opportunities for Saudi investors, particularly in construction and infrastructure. He pointed to tourism infrastructure as a key area, noting the country’s active development of coastal, mountainous, and newly liberated regions, which could benefit from Saudi Arabia’s extensive experience in large-scale hospitality and resort projects. Expert also stressed the importance of residential construction and smart city development, especially in Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur, where entirely new, technologically advanced urban environments are being built. In addition, he identified industrial and logistics real estate as a direction, driven by Azerbaijan’s growing role in the Middle Corridor and increasing demand for modern logistics hubs and industrial parks. Expanding business activity is also fueling demand for commercial real estate, including offices, shopping centers, and business parks. Overall, he described the partnership as mutually beneficial, enabling Saudi Arabia to diversify its investments and strengthen its presence in Eurasia, while providing Azerbaijan with capital inflows, job creation, technology transfer, and improved infrastructure standards.

Looking ahead, Gasimov underscored that innovation could become a central pillar of bilateral cooperation in the coming decade. He explained that both countries are shifting toward knowledge-based, technology-driven economies, creating strong potential for collaboration in areas such as tourism, fintech, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and smart city solutions. He particularly emphasized tourism as a promising sector, where Saudi expertise in smart tourism technologies, such as AI-driven personalization, digital platforms, and automated hospitality systems, could accelerate Azerbaijan’s development in this field. Beyond that, he suggested practical mechanisms for cooperation, including the creation of joint innovation funds, startup accelerators, technology incubators, and research and development centers, combining Saudi financial resources with Azerbaijan’s growing technological ecosystem and strategic regional position.