The supply of Turkmen gas to Turkey will begin on Saturday, March 1 in accordance with the historical agreement signed between Ankara and Ashgabat. This was announced by the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources of Turkey Alparslan Bayractar.
According to Bayractar, 1.3 billion cubic meters will enter Turkey until the end of 2025. gas, which will cover the needs of 1.5 million households.
The minister drew attention to the fact that negotiations on the supply of Turkmen gas, begun in 1998, were finally crowned after 27 years.
The head of the department recalled that on March 1, 2024, as part of the diplomatic forum in Turkish Antalya, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with the chairman of the People’s Council (Hulk Maslahata) of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov.
“During the meeting, agreements were signed aimed at expanding cooperation in the field of oil and natural gas. It was stated about the intention to supply the rich reserves of Turkmen gas to Turkey and further to Western countries. After that, an agreement was reached between the Botaş and Türkmengaz,” Bayraktar said.
According to the head of the department, after signing the agreement, intensive work was carried out to create the necessary technical and legal framework for starting gas supply.
The agreement will be extended by 5 years
The Minister emphasized that on February 11 a new important agreement was reached between Botaş and Türkmengaz, which opened a new chapter in the history of energy cooperation between the two countries.
“Thus, Türkiye for the first time in more than 20 years will receive gas from a country with a country that has no border,” said the head of the department.
Bayractar said that the agreement with Turkmenistan will be extended for 5 years.
The head of the Ministry of Energy added that deliveries will be carried out according to the SWAP mechanism (trade and financial exchange operation), which will make a significant contribution to the Turkish strategy to ensure energy security.
“The supply of Turkmen gas will be an important step towards Turkey turning into a regional energy hub. This is a strategic project that not only distributes import sources, but also create an alternative route for gas export to Europe. As a result, Turkey will strengthen its geopolitical positions and the status of a gas trade center,” Bayractar emphasized.
According to the agreement, Turkmen gas will enter Iran at the Dostitabad-Serara-Hangyran gas pipeline, after which SWAP will be delivered to Turkey.
Gas will be accepted at the Gürbulak border point, which is located in Turkish Agra and distributed through the Turkish gas transportation system.