Cash Crunch at Retail: Turkmenistan’s tenge coins are effectively missing from daily life, forcing shoppers to accept awkward change like extra manats plus chewing gum and leaving transport fares and cash exchanges in a constant mismatch. Investment Forum Focus: At the Turkmenistan Investment Forum 2026 in Ashgabat, officials and partners discussed new deal-making tools, digital tech, virtual assets, fintech and AI, plus a legal track on investment legislation, mediation and international arbitration. EU-Backed Methane Rules: Turkmenistan reviewed international methane-emission standards with EU/GIZ support, aiming to adapt energy-sector regulation to EU requirements and move toward practical monitoring and mitigation. Galkynysh Expansion: Turkmenistan is pushing the $5.1bn fourth phase of the Galkynysh gas field, adding new wells and a commercial treatment facility to raise production and export capacity. Regional Business Links: Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan agreed to expand investment cooperation, highlighting energy, oil and gas supplies, and transport-logistics ties. India Defence Exports: India’s Akash air-defence system secured customers in Turkmenistan (along with Armenia and Tajikistan), reinforcing growing defence export momentum. Cross-Border Legal Reality: India’s Delhi High Court reiterated that holding a visa does not guarantee entry, a ruling tied to a Turkmen citizen’s denied entry despite a business visa.