Türkiye has signed liquefied natural gas (LNG) agreements totaling approximately 15 billion cubic meters with multiple international suppliers at the Gastech 2025 Forum in Milan, advancing its transition from energy importer to regional exporter, as experts say the deals will bolster both energy security and hub aspirations.
Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar oversaw the agreements between state pipeline company BOTAS and various firms, with deliveries set to begin during the critical winter months when demand peaks.
Major supply agreements
Under the three-year agreements, BOTAS will procure 4.8 billion cubic meters from BP, 1.5 billion from ENI, 2.4 billion from Shell, 1.8 billion from SEFE, and 1.5 billion from Equinor.
Additional deals include 600 million cubic meters from Hartree over two years, 1.2 billion from U.S. LNG producer Cheniere, and 600 million from Japan’s leading energy company JERA.
The agreements follow Türkiye’s recent natural gas export initiatives, which began with European markets and now extend to Syria, while diversifying its LNG supply portfolio.
Strategic advantage for regional export
OAPEC Global Gas Markets Expert Wael Hamed Abdel Moati told state-run Anadolu Agency (AA) on Saturday that the deals represent more than 30% of Türkiye’s total gas demand, based on 2024’s combined domestic production and imports of 54 billion cubic meters.
“Türkiye, by securing these volumes, can meet peak domestic demand periods while gaining flexibility to strengthen export commitments to Bulgaria, Romania, and Hungary and prepare for new markets like Iraq,” Moati said.
He noted that LNG currently accounts for approximately one-quarter of Türkiye’s total gas needs, with U.S. LNG comprising about 43% of total LNG imports, highlighting American LNG’s importance in covering seasonal fluctuations and market gaps.
“The shift from spot purchases to medium-term contracts gives Ankara the same flexibility but under more predictable terms for LNG,” Moati assessed.