Turkish oil output reaches 170,000 barrels per day, energy minister reveals

Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar announced that the country’s combined domestic and international oil production has reached 170,000 barrels per day, marking significant progress toward energy independence while still working to meet the nation’s daily demand of 1 million barrels.

Gabar oil field emerges as game-changer in domestic production

In an interview with CNN, Bayraktar highlighted the success of the Gabar oil field, which now produces 71,000 barrels per day from 75 wells – more than double Türkiye’s entire 2016 production of 35,000 barrels. “Gabar represents the largest oil discovery in the Republic’s history,” Bayraktar said, noting the field’s potential to reach 100,000 barrels per day.

The minister emphasized Türkiye’s strategic shift in energy policy, stating, “We need to be more active both domestically and internationally. We’re approaching 20% of our total needs and must increase this further. We’re expanding our exploration efforts to Somalia and Libya while strengthening energy diplomacy.”

The development of the Gabar region has transformed the area beyond energy production. “Sirnak has become an oil city. We’ve built 540 kilometers of roads in previously inaccessible mountains. Over 3,000 people, mostly locals, are employed there,” Bayraktar explained, highlighting the social transformation in a region once associated with conflict.

Diversification of energy sources and consumer support

Türkiye’s energy initiatives extend beyond oil production. The minister detailed ongoing work in Syria’s energy infrastructure rehabilitation and announced plans for the Akkuyu nuclear power plant, which is 90% complete for its first reactor. The facility aims to meet 10% of Türkiye’s electricity needs by 2028 with all four reactors operational.

Addressing domestic energy costs, Bayraktar revealed that the government subsidizes 60% of low-tier and 40% of high-tier electricity consumption, while covering 65% of natural gas costs for citizens. He indicated potential price adjustments might occur once in the coming year, based on global market conditions.

The minister also outlined Türkiye’s progress in renewable energy, stating that the country can now meet all residential electricity needs through wind and solar power, saving an estimated $8 billion annually in natural gas imports that would otherwise be required for power generation.