Iran is negotiating with Turkmenistan to enhance gas imports amid a winter energy crisis. Despite Turkmenistan’s willingness to increase supplies, unresolved debts and unfulfilled agreements have hindered progress. Iranian officials emphasize the need to strengthen oil and gas cooperation to address domestic shortages.
Iran and Turkmenistan are currently discussing enhancing their energy cooperation as Iran faces a significant gas shortage amid severe winter temperatures, according to Shana News Agency report on February 12. The talks took place between Turkmenistan’s Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov and Iranian officials, including Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad and President Masoud Pezeshkian.
Iran is actively seeking to finalize a larger gas agreement with Turkmenistan to address its increasing domestic energy needs. Despite indications from Turkmenistan of a willingness to increase gas supplies, negotiations have not yet yielded conclusive results, as neighboring countries like Iraq and Turkey pursue their own deals involving gas swaps with Turkmenistan.
Paknejad highlighted the Iranian government’s commitment to strengthening economic relations with Turkmenistan in the oil and gas sectors since August. Meredov reiterated his goal of implementing previously agreed objectives between the two nations’ senior officials, stressing the importance of the historic gas trade between Iran, the second-largest gas partner for Turkmenistan since 1991.
An Iranian Oil Ministry source revealed that Tehran is pressing to resume gas imports from Turkmenistan to relieve shortages in Iran’s northern provinces during the winter. Nevertheless, a planned visit by the oil minister to a key gas field hub was canceled due to ongoing discussions with the Turkmen delegation, with no further details provided.
The energy discussions between Iran and Turkmenistan are crucial as Iran faces a gas shortage, particularly during winter. The negotiations have been complicated by financial disputes regarding unpaid debts. Both nations are eager to restore gas trade to secure energy needs, highlighting the importance of their historical partnership despite recent challenges.
Original Source: www.intellinews.com
