Iran has begun transiting gas from Turkmenistan to Turkey, under a swap agreement facilitated by Mohsen Paknejad. This initiative aims to bolster Iran’s national gas supply, particularly in its northeastern regions. Although operational, details of the agreement remain pending, which seeks to improve regional energy diplomacy and cooperation.
Iran’s Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad announced that the nation has commenced the transit of gas from Turkmenistan to Turkey under a swap agreement. This arrangement allows Iran to receive gas from Turkmenistan in the northeast and deliver an equivalent amount to Turkey. Paknejad emphasized that this initiative would enhance the national gas supply to regions in Iran, particularly where pressure typically diminishes due to distance from production sites in the south.
The swap agreement also aims to strengthen Iran’s role as a significant energy hub in the region. Paknejad pointed out that this commitment reflects the government’s ambition to enhance energy diplomacy. Nonetheless, he noted that specific details concerning the gas swap agreement among Iran, Turkmenistan, and Turkey remain to be finalized.
He stated, “One can say that this agreement has become operationalized, but we should wait until other aspects of the agreement can be publicized in the media in the future.” Earlier reports indicated that Turkmenistan’s state gas company had secured an agreement with Turkey’s BOTAS to commence gas exports through Iran starting March 1.
Turkmenistan’s Chairman Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov has engaged in discussions with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, commending the deal as a substantial advancement in regional energy cooperation. Additionally, Turkmenistan’s Foreign Minister Raşit Meredow visited Tehran to hold talks with Iranian officials about this cooperation.
Neither Iran, Turkmenistan, nor Turkey has yet provided official statements detailing the volume and pricing of the gas supplies established under this agreement. Reports suggest that Turkmengas may utilize the unused capacity of an Iranian pipeline to transport up to 4 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually to BOTAS. Iran has previously entered into multiple gas swap agreements with Turkmenistan to supply gas to countries like Azerbaijan and Iraq.
The commencement of gas transit from Turkmenistan to Turkey marks a strategic development for Iran as it seeks to solidify its position as an energy hub in the region. Although the agreement is now operational, further details are pending. This arrangement not only promises to increase gas supply within Iran but also aims to enhance regional energy cooperation among the three nations. The implications of this deal extend beyond bilateral agreements, potentially affecting energy exports to Europe.
Original Source: www.presstv.ir
