South Korea cut imports of Iranian crude in the first two months of 2012 and Taiwan plans to halt its purchases from July as the two join the growing list of countries reducing imports under pressure from the United States.

• March 22, 2012

North Korea has invited the International Atomic Energy Agency to return, nearly three years after it kicked U.N. nuclear inspectors out of the country.

• March 20, 2012

The future second Bulgarian nuclear power plant at Belene will not be solely a project of Bulgaria and Russia, according to Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov.

• March 16, 2012

The biggest and most promising European shale gas deposits are located in Poland. The EIA estimates that the Polish shale gas reserves cover more than 300 years of domestic consumption. The unconventional reserves exceed the conventional ones by the factor of 32. So far 109 licences have been granted to national and international groups in Poland. Poland imported more than 10bn cubic metres of natural gas from Russia in 2011. On top of it, coal is used for 90% of electric power generation. Therefore the political support for the development of domestic shale gas production is exemplary.

• March 16, 2012

During the workshop a general overview of the renewable energy sector developments in the EU and Azerbaijan was presented and discussions were organized focusing on the specific topics such as economic incentives, funding mechanisms, administrative procedures for the approval of wind projects and grid access and planning. A new INOGATE project, with an important component focusing on the renewable energy and energy efficiency was also presented.

• March 15, 2012

The US has asked Russia to carry an ultimatum to the leaders of Iran, warning that upcoming six-nation talks on the Iranian nuclear program will be the "last chance" for progress before it pursues a military option, the leading Moscow daily Kommersant reported today (in Russian).

• March 15, 2012

Tajikistan and Pakistan discussed the current relationship and the opportunities for further enhancing of bilateral cooperation between the two countries in the energy and industry, Asia-Plus reported with the reference to the Tajik ministry of energy and industries.

• March 14, 2012

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych has met with visiting Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov, telling his Turkmen guest that Ukraine would like to be "fully engaged…to enhance [Turkmen natural] gas exploration and shipment."

• March 14, 2012