Türkiye considers alternative energy supply routes from Turkmenistan
Türkiye is exploring prospects for expanding energy cooperation, including possible natural gas supplies from Turkmenistan via Azerbaijan. This was stated by Türkiye's Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar, in an interview with Turkish media, according to AZERTAC.
According to him, the idea of transiting Turkmen gas has been discussed for several decades and remains relevant amid growing interest in supply diversification. Türkiye, the minister noted, is interested in implementing such initiatives aimed at strengthening regional energy cooperation. A coordinated position of all stakeholders, including European countries, plays a key role in this process.
The minister emphasized that Türkiye is consistently developing alternative routes for energy supplies, considering them as a complement to existing directions. In this context, such projects could serve as an alternative to transportation through the Strait of Hormuz, increasing the resilience and flexibility of energy logistics.
Particular attention is being paid to infrastructure development initiatives in the region, including potential new pipeline routes that could enhance supply reliability and create additional economic opportunities.
The minister also described as promising a project to build an oil pipeline from Basra in southern Iraq to Kirkuk in the north of the country, where a pipeline to Türkiye is already in operation.
“For the past 50 years, Türkiye has maintained in working condition a pipeline from Silopi to Ceyhan with a capacity of 1.5 million tons and a total length of 650 km. Therefore, the Kirkuk–Silopi pipeline could become one of the alternatives to the Strait of Hormuz. Annual revenue from this pipeline could reach $60 billion at current prices. Turkish companies could build this route in a short time,” he said.
