NIGC to extend gas deal with Turkey, says ready to supply Pakistan
The CEO of the National Iranian Gas Company (NIGC) said the Islamic Republic plans to extend its natural gas export contract with Turkey and is ready to begin supplies to Pakistan once the necessary infrastructure is in place in the neighboring country.
“The gas export agreement with Turkey will definitely be renewed,” Saeed Tavakoli told ILNA. “Iran is also prepared to export gas to Pakistan.”
Tavakoli described the regional gas market as increasingly volatile and short-term in nature. “The regional gas market has become very situational, short-term, and time-consuming,” he said. “On one hand, US LNG production has increased, while export restrictions have been imposed on some producers. On the other, most of the region’s available gas has already been allocated.”
He said Iran continues to push for long-term energy contracts with its partners. “Our focus and follow-up on long-term agreements will continue, and naturally, renewing the Turkish contract is among our top priorities,” he added.
The current gas export agreement between Iran and Turkey is due to expire in 2026. Tavakoli expressed hope that the two sides would finalize an extension “for several more years” before that date.
He also noted that Turkey remains a committed buyer. “Turkey is definitely interested in Iranian gas,” he said, adding that discussions are ongoing. “The volume, mechanism, and other details will be determined through negotiations.”
On exports to Pakistan, Tavakoli said Iran has the capacity and readiness to deliver gas but stressed that “it depends on Pakistan to prepare the required infrastructure.”
Regarding gas imports, he said talks are continuing with Turkmenistan and Russia, emphasizing that “continuity is the key principle in our energy diplomacy, and we expect positive outcomes.”
Turkey has long sourced natural gas from Iran and, as of March, began receiving Turkmen gas through swap arrangements via Iranian territory. The deal provides for the delivery of 1.3 billion cubic meters of Turkmen gas to Turkey by the end of this year.
Murat Kalay, secretary-general of Turkey’s Petroleum and Natural Gas Platform Association (PETFORM), said last month that Ankara currently receives gas both from Iran and through the Turkmen swap, with negotiations for a new term underway.
Oguzhan Akyener, president of the Turkey Energy Strategies and Policies Research Center (TESPAM), noted on October 8 that Turkey’s gas demand has declined during the summer months, as has Iran’s domestic consumption, allowing for continued gas shipments under existing agreements.