Iran Initiates Gas Transit from Turkmenistan to Turkey Under Swap Agreement

Iran has begun transiting Turkmen gas to Turkey under a swap agreement, which will improve gas pressure in northeastern Iran and bolster the country’s role as an energy hub. The specifics of the deal are not yet finalized, but reports indicate potential capacity for significant gas exports to Turkey.

Iran has commenced the transit of gas from Turkmenistan to Turkey as part of a swap agreement, according to the nation’s Oil Minister, Mohsen Paknejad. He stated that this initiative will enhance the gas supply to Iranian consumers in northern regions, where gas pressure often decreases due to distance from southern production facilities. The minister emphasized that this development reinforces Iran’s role as a significant regional energy hub.

Paknejad mentioned that while the gas swap operation has begun, specific details of the agreement remain to be finalized. He noted, “One can say that this agreement has become operationalized, but we should wait until other aspects of the agreement can be publicized in the media in the future.” The gas export deal was initially highlighted in a report by Turkmenistan’s Neutral Tyrkmenistan, reflecting regional cooperation on energy matters.

Recent discussions between leaders from Turkmenistan and Iran have emphasized the importance of this deal. Earlier this month, Turkmenistan’s Foreign Minister, Raşit Meredow, visited Tehran to meet with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Minister Paknejad. Although the specifics regarding supply volumes and pricing have yet to be officially released, reports suggest Turkmengas may utilize an Iranian export pipeline’s surplus capacity to deliver up to 4 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually to Turkey’s state-owned BOTAS.

This new agreement not only strengthens ties between Turkmenistan, Iran, and Turkey but also facilitates Turkey’s capacity to reroute a portion of imported Azerbaijani gas to Europe. Iran has engaged in multiple gas swap agreements with Turkmenistan, aimed at supplying gas to neighboring countries such as Azerbaijan and Iraq.

In summary, the commencement of gas transit from Turkmenistan to Turkey through Iran marks a significant step in enhancing regional energy cooperation and solidifies Iran’s position as a key energy hub. While details of the agreement remain pending, the initial operationalization reflects ongoing diplomatic efforts to bolster energy supply to domestic and regional consumers alike.

Original Source: www.presstv.ir