Turkmen gas supplies to Turkey suspended indefinitely: Turkmengaz

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News Websites
24 Oct 2025 21:27
1 Shares

Turkmenistan suspends natural gas supplies to Turkey indefinitely due to unresolved pricing and volume terms, despite technical readiness and an active contract.

Listen

The crater fire named "Gates of Hell" is seen near Darvaza, Turkmenistan, Saturday, July 11, 2020 (AP)

Turkmenistan has suspended natural gas supplies to Turkey for an indefinite period, the chairman of state-owned energy company Turkmengaz, Maqsad Babayev, announced on Friday.

“In March this year, we began supplying Turkey with 2 billion cubic meters of gas per year. This was a pilot project... We are ready to supply,” Babayev said during a press conference at the Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan – 2025 international conference and exhibition in Ashgabat.

Babayev confirmed that the gas deliveries under the current short-term contract have been paused, citing a lack of agreement on volumes and pricing as the main reasons behind the suspension.

“If we cannot agree on volumes or prices, we have other purchasers as well, so we are changing our approach,” he explained.

The halted agreement, signed between Turkmengaz and Turkey's Botas on February 10, allowed for the annual supply of up to 2 billion cubic meters of gas, beginning on March 1. The gas was delivered via Iran through a barter-based mechanism.

Turkmenistan emphasizes technical readiness

Deputy Head of Turkmengaz, Myrat Arcayew, clarified that the company remains technically prepared to continue gas deliveries.

“Technically, Turkmengaz is perfectly prepared to fulfill this contract... any hidden issues will be dealt with by the purchaser,” Arcayew said, adding that despite the current suspension, the contract remains valid and Turkey has expressed interest in maintaining cooperation.

Talks over direct natural gas deliveries from Turkmenistan to Turkey had been ongoing since 1998, with the current agreement marking a milestone in bilateral energy relations. However, the indefinite halt underscores ongoing challenges in pricing and volume negotiations.