Hydrocarbon Potential of the Caspian Region

P542 HYDROCARBON POTENTIAL OF CASPIAN REGION HILMAR REMPEL Introduction 1 After the disintegration of the Soviet Union in 1991 and the emergence of a series of sovereign states out of former Soviet Republics the "Caspian Region" moved more strongly into the focus of international political and economic interest due to the exposed strategic position of this region and its huge hydrocarbon resource potential. This potential is quite significant and could play an important role in the future supply of oil and gas to European and Asian markets. Caspian region in current understanding comprises the littoral states of the Caspian Sea