Turkmen gas flow to Türkiye could reshape global energy markets: Expert

The arrival of Turkmen natural gas in Türkiye marks a new phase in economic and strategic relations between the two countries, with potential global energy market implications, according to Dr. Hikmet Eren, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the EkoAvrasya Foundation.

Strengthening economic integration and energy security

Eren emphasized that the transport of Turkmen gas to Türkiye is a significant milestone for the Turkic world, contributing not only to economic cooperation but also to regional energy security.

“Ensuring the flow of Turkmenistan’s vast natural gas reserves to Türkiye within a strategic partnership framework is a critical step toward strengthening the economic and energy security of the Turkic world,” Eren stated.

“This initiative will not only enhance trade relations between the two countries but also has the potential to reshape regional power dynamics,” he added.

Geopolitical and strategic implications

Highlighting the broader impact of this energy cooperation, Eren noted that Türkiye’s energy security and its role in transferring gas to Europe will be significantly bolstered by this development.

“Turkmenistan holds some of the world’s largest natural gas reserves, and integrating this capacity into Türkiye’s energy network strengthens the strategic economic framework of the entire Turkic world,” he said.

“The step taken today is not just a commercial agreement; it has the potential to redefine regional power balances,” he added.

Eren also referenced remarks by Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz, who emphasized the importance of transporting Turkmen gas to Europe through Türkiye. “Initially, 1.3 billion cubic meters of natural gas will be delivered through a SWAP method. We see this as just the beginning,” Yilmaz said. “In later stages, we believe Turkmen gas and electricity will reach European and global markets via Türkiye.”

He underscored that this development will not only have economic consequences but also geopolitical ones.”Energy is not just a commodity for trade; it is a fundamental driver of economic growth,” Eren said.

“Delivering Turkmen gas to Türkiye will enhance the economic integration of the Turkic world while also impacting global energy market dynamics,” he added.

‘A historic step for the Turkic world’

Eren further highlighted that the project should be viewed as a move that reinforces historical ties between Central Asia and Anatolia, now underpinned by energy cooperation.

“This project marks the beginning of a transformation shaping the future of the Turkic world,” Eren said and added, “Energy is not merely an economic tool but one of the most critical elements of the global power struggle. The arrival of Turkmen gas in Türkiye is more than an energy transfer—it is the foundation of a shared economic, strategic, and diplomatic future.”

“This initiative will not only strengthen Türkiye’s position in the global energy equation but also help the Turkic world achieve its collective goals,” Eren concluded.

The agreement between Türkiye and Turkmenistan is expected to supply 1.3 billion cubic meters of gas by year’s end—enough to meet the needs of 1.5 million households in Türkiye.