Turkish and Azerbaijani Agreement to Supply Gas from Karabakh Field: Alparslan Bayraktar
Turkey and Azerbaijan Working on New Gas Supply Agreement
Ankara is currently in the process of negotiating a new agreement with Azerbaijan regarding gas supplies from the Karabakh oil and gas field, as announced by Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar. The agreement is set to enable the import of gas from this field starting in 2028-2029.
Bayraktar highlighted the significance of diversifying Turkey’s gas resources, particularly at a time when the country has heavily relied on gas supplies from Russia and Iran. With the expiration of existing agreements approaching, Turkey is looking to secure alternative sources of gas and promote competition in the domestic market.
In addition to the collaboration with Azerbaijan, Turkey has recently initiated gas imports from Turkmenistan through a swap deal with Iran. The minister emphasized Turkey’s efforts to expand its gas infrastructure, increasing LNG regasification capacity and reducing dependency on pipeline imports.
Furthermore, Bayraktar emphasized Turkey’s commitment to developing its own energy resources, pointing to the successful production at the Sakarya field in the Black Sea. Production levels are expected to rise significantly in the coming years, reaching up to 40 million cubic meters per day by 2028.
The Karabakh oil field, located east of Baku, plays a crucial role in Turkey’s gas supply strategy. The field is part of a joint venture between the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) and Norwegian company Equinor, aimed at exploration and development. After Equinor’s stake was sold to SOCAR in 2023, the partnership continues to drive progress in gas production and distribution.
Overall, Turkey’s efforts to diversify its gas portfolio and enhance domestic energy security highlight the country’s commitment to sustainable development and energy independence. The collaboration with Azerbaijan and other partners reflects a strategic approach to ensuring a stable and reliable energy supply for Turkey’s growing economy.
