TAPI Deal Progress: In Torghundi, Herat, Turkmenistan’s National Leader Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov met Afghanistan’s Deputy PM for Economic Affairs Abdul Ghani Baradar as both sides pushed forward the TAPI gas pipeline, including a new MoU between Afghan Gas and Turkmengaz that sets gas price, demand and distribution terms. Fuel Rules Tightened: Turkmenistan cut the diesel allowance for vehicles leaving the country from 300 to 150 liters (effective Aug. 10) and raised the fee for extra liters from 20 to 30 manat, a move aimed at curbing fuel shortages and cross-border arbitrage. Caspian Focus: Turkmenistan marked Caspian Sea Day (Aug. 12) and highlighted ecosystem protection as a national priority, tying it to regional cooperation under the Tehran Convention and events in Avaza. Ashgabat Business Platforms: The city is set to host ITTC 2026, an international transport and logistics forum/expo on Nov. 24–26, plus an Oct. 10–12 exhibition on healthcare, education and sport—both positioned as deal-making hubs for foreign partners. Turkmen-Saudi Diplomacy: A meeting at Turkmenistan’s foreign ministry with Saudi Arabia’s ambassador focused on expanding trade and economic ties and cooperation in multilateral forums. Regional Economy Snapshot: Central Asia’s combined GDP is estimated at $543B, with Kazakhstan still dominating exports and investment flows, while Turkmenistan’s economy is pegged at about $50B. Internet and Business Reality: A new regional look at internet restrictions shows Turkmenistan’s especially tight controls and the resulting black-market demand for access tools. SCRMET Trade Activity: Turkmenistan’s SCRMET auctions logged 59 transactions worth over $224,000, with foreign buyers from Türkiye and Serbia purchasing cotton yarn and liquorice root extract.