Iran and Turkmenistan officials convened to discuss collaboration in the oil and gas sectors as Iran deals with severe gas shortages. Negotiations for a larger gas agreement continue to face hurdles, particularly surrounding unpaid debts. Turkmenistan’s willingness to boost supply remains contingent upon resolving these financial issues, highlighting the critical state of energy relations between the two countries.
High-ranking energy and foreign affairs officials from Iran and Turkmenistan convened to discuss enhancing cooperation in the oil and gas sectors. This dialogue comes as Iran faces a significant natural gas shortage exacerbated by harsh winter conditions. According to the Shana News Agency, these discussions took place on February 12, following the arrival of Turkmenistan’s Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov in Tehran on February 11, where he met with Iranian leaders including Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad and President Masoud Pezeshkian.
Iran has been negotiating an expanded gas agreement with Turkmenistan to address its increasing domestic needs. Despite these negotiations, progress has been slow, even as Turkmenistan has expressed willingness to increase gas supply to Iran, particularly as Turkey and Iraq pursue their own gas arrangements. Minister Paknejad emphasized to Meredov that strengthening economic relations with Turkmenistan is a top priority for the current Iranian administration.
Meredov highlighted the historical gas trade ties between Iran and Turkmenistan, noting that Iran has been a significant trade partner since Turkmenistan gained independence in 1991. Reportedly, Tehran is urgently seeking to resume gas imports from Turkmenistan to support energy demands in its northern provinces, where consumption sharply rises in winter.
Separately, Minister Paknejad canceled a planned visit to Iran’s southern port city of Assaluyeh, a vital center for operations related to the South Pars gas field. This change has been attributed to the need for further discussions with the Turkmen delegation regarding the ongoing negotiations. Since 1997, Iran has imported gas from Turkmenistan, which has supplied a total of 107 billion cubic meters over the years.
However, challenges persist, particularly regarding an outstanding debt of $1.8 billion owed by Iran to Turkmenistan for gas imports, which is hindering the resumption of exports. In previous statements, President Pezeshkian acknowledged Turkmenistan’s concerns about Iran’s past payment issues, which have led to reluctance in business dealings from the Turkmen side.
In summary, Iran and Turkmenistan are actively pursuing enhanced collaboration in the energy sector amid Iran’s pressing gas shortages. While discussions have taken place, ongoing issues surrounding debt and payment histories complicate the negotiation landscape. The urgency of the matter reflects not only economic interdependencies but also regional energy security, especially during winter months when demand surges in Iran’s northern provinces.
Original Source: www.intellinews.com
