Iran has started transiting gas from Turkmenistan to Turkey as part of a swap agreement, enhancing regional energy cooperation. The agreement aims to improve gas supply in northeastern Iran and position Iran as a key energy hub. Details regarding the specifics of the agreement are still forthcoming, although initial operations have commenced.
Iran has confirmed the commencement of gas transit from Turkmenistan to Turkey under a swap agreement, as announced by the Iranian oil minister, Mohsen Paknejad. The arrangement allows Iran to receive Turkmen gas in its northeastern regions while supplying the same volume to Turkey. This initiative aims to enhance gas supply for customers in northeast Iran, where gas pressure is typically low due to distance from production sites.
Paknejad emphasized that the swap agreement would elevate Iran’s status as a pivotal regional energy hub, reflecting the government’s commitment to developing energy diplomacy. He acknowledged that while the agreement is in operations, specific details are still pending publication.
In early February, Turkmenistan’s state gas company, Turkmengas, entered an export deal with Turkey’s BOTAS to initiate gas shipments through Iran starting March 1. This collaboration was celebrated by Turkmenistan’s officials in discussions with Iranian leaders, marking a significant milestone in energy partnerships.
The authorities from Iran, Turkmenistan, and Turkey have yet to disclose official statements regarding the specific volumes and pricing details of the gas supply deal. According to Iran’s Tasnim news agency, Turkmengas plans to leverage unused capacity of an Iranian pipeline to deliver up to 4 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually to Turkey.
Historically, Iran has engaged in multiple gas swap agreements with Turkmenistan, facilitating supply to other countries like Azerbaijan and Iraq and now potentially meeting Turkey’s needs, which could in turn enable shipping gas to Europe.
Iran’s initiation of gas transit from Turkmenistan to Turkey marks a strategic move in energy diplomacy. The swap agreement not only addresses local supply pressures in northeastern Iran but also reinforces the country’s position as a leading energy hub. Furthermore, the collaboration signifies a deepening partnership among Iran, Turkmenistan, and Turkey, with implications for regional energy dynamics and European gas supply frameworks.
Original Source: www.presstv.ir
