Turkmenistan Suspends Gas Exports to Turkey amid Ongoing Contract Negotiations
Turkmenistan has temporarily halted natural gas exports to Turkey, according to an October 24 report by Chronicles of Turkmenistan, citing Turkmengaz Chairman Maksat Babaev. The announcement came during a press conference following the Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan 2025 international conference.
Gas deliveries to Turkey began in March 2025 under a short-term contract for 2 billion cubic meters per year, described as a pilot project to test technical and logistical feasibility.
Turkmengaz Deputy Chairman Murad Archaev said the company is “fully prepared” to resume supplies. “The Turkish side was very pleased with the start of deliveries. We also support it, and once the existing issues are resolved, supplies will continue under the signed contract,” MK Turkey quoted him as saying.
Babaev noted that Turkmenistan has alternative buyers should talks with Ankara stall over price or volume. “This is the market,” he said, according to Oilcapital, citing Reuters.
As reported earlier by The Times of Central Asia, Turkey began importing Turkmen gas via Iran through a swap arrangement, with total deliveries expected to reach 1.3 billion cubic meters by the end of the year. In May, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced Ankara’s plan to extend the agreement for another five years.
Turkey’s Ministry of Energy said in October that it seeks to boost Turkmen gas imports via the Caspian Sea, highlighting the Turkish market’s potential role as a gateway for Turkmen gas to reach European Union countries.
Earlier this year, both governments had celebrated the launch of direct gas deliveries as a milestone in regional energy cooperation—a milestone now in temporary suspension as contract negotiations continue.
