Iran and Turkmenistan are in talks to enhance cooperation in the oil and gas sectors as Iran faces severe gas shortages in winter. Despite Turkmenistan’s willingness to increase gas supplies, unresolved financial disputes complicate negotiations. Discussions emphasize the importance of improving bilateral energy ties, especially given Iran’s long-standing imports of Turkmen gas since 1997.
Iran and Turkmenistan are currently engaged in discussions to enhance collaboration in the oil and gas sectors amidst Iran’s critical gas shortages exacerbated by winter demands. Senior officials, including Iran’s Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad, met with Turkmenistan’s top diplomat Rashid Meredov to explore new gas import agreements. Despite Turkmenistan’s willingness to increase gas supplies, ongoing negotiations have not yet produced any significant results.
Paknejad emphasized that since the inception of President Masoud Pezeshkian’s government in August, fostering economic relations with Turkmenistan, particularly related to energy, has been a priority. On the other hand, Meredov reaffirmed that his visit aimed to execute previously established agreements between both nations. Historically, Iran has been an essential partner in Turkmenistan’s gas trade since its independence, highlighting a strong bilateral trade relationship.
Iran’s Oil Ministry has signaled urgent needs for gas imports to satisfy energy demands in its northern regions during winter months. Despite plans for a visit to a major gas field in Assaluyeh, Paknejad canceled due to focus on negotiations with Turkmenistan. Since 1997, Iran has relied on Turkmen gas imports despite having considerable gas reserves.
Turkmenistan has reportedly supplied about 107 billion cubic meters of gas to Iran over the years, underlining the importance of this energy exchange. However, unresolved financial disputes, with Turkmenistan alleging Iran owes $1.8 billion in unpaid debts, have created obstacles to resuming gas exports. Previously, Pezeshkian acknowledged that Turkmenistan’s hesitance to export gas could be attributed to Iran’s poor payment history, complicating future agreements.
The ongoing discussions between Iran and Turkmenistan are crucial as Iran seeks to address its gas shortages, particularly in northern provinces where winter demand peaks. Despite historical trading ties and Turkmenistan’s readiness to increase gas exports, financial disagreements remain a significant barrier. Moving forward, resolving these debt issues will be essential for establishing a sustained energy partnership.
Original Source: www.intellinews.com
