Türkiye ready to supply more gas to Europe, says Energy Minister Bayraktar

Türkiye is ready to play a larger role in securing Europe’s energy future, especially after Russia’s Gazprom ceased natural gas transit through Ukraine, according to Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar.

In an interview with Japan-based media outlet Nikkei Asia, Bayraktar emphasized Türkiye’s potential to become a crucial energy hub for Europe, particularly for natural gas supplies.

He suggested that with the “political willingness and commitment” from European nations and additional investment in interconnections, Türkiye could increase its gas exports to central and eastern Europe by up to 10 billion cubic meters annually, leveraging the Balkan pipeline route.

Bayraktar’s remarks come after the expiration of a five-year natural gas transit agreement between Gazprom and Ukraine’s Naftogaz on January 1. The agreement’s end has shifted regional energy dynamics, as Gazprom halted gas flows through Ukraine, leaving Türkiye as a key player in energy supply.

Additionally, Bayraktar pointed out that the TurkStream pipeline, which opened in 2020, is now operating at full capacity, while Türkiye also exports Azerbaijani gas to Europe through another pipeline.

Türkiye as energy corridor betweent East and West

Unlike some European nations, Türkiye has avoided the gas supply shortages resulting from the Russia-Ukraine war. The country has strengthened its energy security by enhancing liquefied natural gas (LNG) regasification and storage facilities, diversifying gas supply routes from Russia via the Black Sea, and importing gas from Azerbaijan and Iran.

With one of the twin TurkStream pipelines still operating, delivering Russian gas to Europe primarily to Hungary and Serbia, Türkiye has solidified its position as a vital energy corridor between the East and West.