Iran has initiated the transit of Turkmen gas to Turkey as part of a swap agreement, aiming to bolster its gas supply and enhance regional energy cooperation. The oil minister emphasized the agreement’s significance while noting that further details are yet to be finalized. This cooperative effort is expected to benefit both countries significantly.
Iran has officially commenced the transit of Turkmen gas to Turkey as confirmed by the nation’s oil minister, Mohsen Paknejad. This initiative is part of a gas swap agreement whereby Iran receives gas from Turkmenistan in the northeast and, in turn, supplies the same quantity to Turkey in the northwest. This arrangement aims to enhance the gas supply to Iran’s national grid, particularly addressing the pressures faced in the northeast, which is geographically distant from the country’s primary gas production centers.
Paknejad indicated that this gas swap agreement not only bolsters Iran’s energy supply but also strengthens its status as a key regional energy hub. He stated, “This effort is a sign of government’s determination to expand energy diplomacy,” highlighting the importance of this agreement. Nevertheless, he noted that the specifics of the gas swap deal among the three nations—Iran, Turkmenistan, and Turkey—are still under discussion and formalisation.
Recent communications between leaders of the involved nations indicate a positive trajectory for regional energy cooperation. A report from Turkmenistan’s official newspaper indicated that a contract for gas exports through Iran had been signed with Turkey’s state-run gas company BOTAS, set to begin on March 1. Furthermore, discussions between Turkmenistan’s Foreign Minister and Iranian officials occurred to facilitate this development, although detailed parameters regarding the volumes and pricing of gas supplies have not been publicly released.
Iran has previously engaged in multiple gas swap agreements with Turkmenistan to supply neighboring countries such as Azerbaijan and Iraq. Experts predict that the Turkish agreement with Turkmenistan is likely to enable Turkey to redirect some natural gas imported from Azerbaijan towards Europe, potentially impacting European energy markets positively.
In conclusion, the gas transit agreement between Iran, Turkmenistan, and Turkey represents a significant advancement in regional energy collaboration. This initiative aims to reinforce gas supplies within Iran while enhancing its role as an energy hub. The final specifics of the deal are still pending public announcement, yet the positive diplomatic exchanges underline the importance of this cooperation in meeting regional energy demands.
Original Source: www.presstv.ir
