Major Caspian Oil and Natural Gas Export Routes (Source: US Energy Information Administration)
Dealing with Oil Theft in Central Asia through cross-border cooperation
In recent years, many Central Asian countries have introduced much stiffer penalties for oil theft to deter criminals in recognition of the huge economic, societal and environmental problems that can result from this crime.
Pipeline tapping, the process most commonly used when siphoning oil, causes a drop in pressure inside the pipe, which in turn decreases the speed of delivery and quality of oil. This process also raises significant environmental security concerns as tapping can cause oil leaks, which can lead to long term environmental damage and can compromise vital water supplies.
