Historical background to the document "Speech by Heydar Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Supsa at the ceremony held on the occasion of the commissioning of Baku-Supsa oil pipe-line (April 17, 1999)"


The Western Route Export Pipeline delivers the Caspian oil through Georgia to the world market. The 833-km-long pipeline extends from the Sangachal Terminal to the Supsa Terminal of Georgia. The pipeline was constructed in 1997-1998.

Filling the pipes was launched in December 1998 and lasted until March 1999. Oil was uploaded to tankers for the first time on April 8, 1999. The export of the early Azerbaijani oil through the Baku-Supsa oil pipeline started on April 17, 1999. The major advantage of this route is to deliver the pure Azerbaijani oil labeled “Azeri light” to the world market. The relevant opening ceremony in Georgia was attended by Heydar Aliyev, the Georgian President E.Shevardnadze, and the Ukrainian President L.Kuchma.

“90 Instants of the Great leader”, Heydar Aliyev Heritage research center, “Sharq-Qarb”, Baku-2013, p.142