Iran Initiates Gas Transit from Turkmenistan to Turkey Under Swap Agreement
Iran has begun receiving gas from Turkmenistan and supplying it to Turkey under a swap agreement, aiming to enhance regional energy collaboration. The gas transit is expected to improve supply for northeastern Iranian consumers and bolster Iran’s status as an energy hub, although full details of the deal remain forthcoming.
Iran’s Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad has confirmed the commencement of gas transit from Turkmenistan to Turkey, executed as part of a swap agreement. This development will enable Iran to enhance the supply of gas to its northeastern customers, particularly crucial where gas pressure typically declines due to distance from southern production centers.
According to Paknejad, the swap agreement is poised to reinforce Iran’s stature as a significant regional energy hub. He emphasized that this initiative reflects the government’s commitment to advancing energy diplomacy, although he noted that specific details of the gas swap arrangement have yet to be fully established.
A report from Turkmenistan’s official newspaper indicated that the state-run company Turkmengas had signed an agreement with Turkey’s BOTAS to initiate gas exports through Iran as of March 1. Discussions between Turkmenistan’s leadership and Iranian officials were highlighted as key to fostering energy collaboration in the region.
Despite the progress, there has been no official announcement regarding the specifics of the gas supplies in terms of size or pricing as negotiations continue. Iran’s Tasnim news agency previously reported that Turkmengas could utilize the underused capacity of an Iranian export pipeline to supply up to four billion cubic meters of natural gas per year to BOTAS, further emphasizing Iran’s role in regional energy dynamics.
In summary, Iran has officially begun the transit of Turkmen gas to Turkey under a swap agreement which aims to bolster its gas supplies to northeastern Iran. The arrangement presents strategic advantages for Iran as it strengthens its position as a regional energy hub—marking a significant step in energy diplomacy. However, further clarification on the specifics of the agreement is anticipated in the coming months.
Original Source: www.presstv.ir
