News
EU and US warn Turkey against Cyprus offshore drilling
Brussels “urgently” calls on Ankara to show restraint. Washington “deeply concerned” by “highly provocative” step. Dispute adds to strain on lira. Day sees it sink past six to the dollar.
Hegemony of state in Russian economy deepens, warns watchdog
The process of the strengthening of state's role in the economy has switched gears, as the state is no longer simply setting the rules of engagement, but attempts to regulate the whole economic system of the country, says the-antitrust regulator
Russia's privately owned oil major Surgutneftegaz makes more profit from its cash pile than producing oil
Russia's privately owned oil major SurgutNefteGaz (Surgut) made more profit from its enormous cash pile than it did from producing oil in 2018, the company reported last week.
Naftogaz triples gas imports, races to build up reserves before Russia’s Gazprom cuts off supplies
Ukraine’s national gas company Naftogaz believes that Russia will cut off its gas supplies completely on January 1, 2020 and is rushing to build up reserves as high as possible so that Ukraine can get through the freezing winter.
Surprise as Turkish inflation edges down amid growing cost pressures
Deutsche sees government lira bonds as “cheap” for first time this year. Analyst, meanwhile, accuses Turkey’s central bank of “monetary hokey-cokey” that diminishes “already depleted reserves of credibility further”.
Orban and Salvini united against migration at Budapest meeting
While their political parties are from different families, it’s clear that the two leaders see eye-to-eye on some important fundamental issues as they meet ahead of this month's European Parliament elections.
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$12-13bn of Turkish energy sector loans need restructuring: Garanti Bank deputy
Turkey proceeding with plan to transfer some of the banking sector’s problem loans to off-balance-sheet funds.
Fuel rationing rumours trigger long queues at Iranian gas stations
Petrol so cheap that authorities may bring in price hikes to curb smuggling to neighbouring countries.
Saudis rescue distressed Iranian oil tanker just as US move versus Iran’s crude kicks in
Turkey tells US it is not possible for it to quickly diversify to alternative supplies. India adopts a softer position, China keeps cards close to chest.
Turkey’s manufacturing PMI falls—temporary support from pre-election stimuli flags
Data reinforces perception that any recovery from recession will be slow-going. Meanwhile, word breaks of possible summer Trump visit to Ankara.
Russia's carmaker AvtoVaz turns in first profit for a decade
Russia's largest carmaker AvtoVaz posted net profit of RUB5.86bn ($90.5mn) in 2018 – the company’s first profit in a decade.
Poland leads CEE charge against “centralised” and “multi-speed” EU
Warsaw wants the EU to devolve more powers to national governments and opposes deeper integration of some – mostly Western – member states in specific policy areas.
Mordashev's Severgroup completes Lenta acquisition despite Magnit bid
Severgroup of steel tycoon Alexei Mordashov completed the acquisition of 41.9% of Russian retailer Lenta and is expected to make a binding buyout offer to minority shareholders, which was part of the deal, Lenta reported to the London Stock Exchange.
Estonia’s new government hit by first resignation hours after taking oath
Estonia’s IT and foreign trade minister Marti Kuusik resigned after allegations surfaced linking him to domestic violence.
Turkey objects to US move to designate Muslim Brotherhood “terrorist”
List of Ankara’s rows with White House over foreign policy issues is lengthening. Turks also support US adversaries Maduro and Iran.
Turkey’s central bank sticks to inflation target, sheds no light on FX reserves mystery
Investors also still baffled by dropping of explicit commitment to possibly hiking rates following session with regulator’s governor.
Iranian oil tanker on Red Sea leaking oil says satellite tracker service
Vessel seen making hard turn. Jitters surround Iran’s crude exports with US set to start drive to force them to zero on May 2.
Croatia looks for Chinese lifeline for troubled shipbuilder Uljanik
Top-level delegation from China Shipbuilding Corporation visits Croatian shipyards after Zagreb declines to back €1bn restructuring plan.
Putin dismisses Moscow's newly-appointed ambassador to Belarus amid political, economic row
Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed “the ambassador of war” Mikhail Babich, Moscow's ambassador to Belarus, by special decree on April 30, less than a year after his appointment.
Eurotorg reports strong 2018 results as Belarusian retail grows
The leading supermarket chain in Belarus Eurotorg (aka Euroopt) reported strong 2018 results that will bolster its chance of getting a mooted IPO away this year after postponing an attempt last year.