Minister Alparslan Bayraktar appeared on NTV, responding to questions from NTV Ankara Representative Ahmet Ergen on recent developments in the energy sector.
Current Status of Energy Supply Security
Discussing the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, Minister Bayraktar explained that while the pandemic created a demand crisis in energy, the current situation is considered a supply crisis. Addressing concerns about the Strait of Hormuz, Bayraktar emphasized, “At present, this region poses no risk for Turkey’s energy supply, especially regarding oil. We also have no dependency on Hormuz for natural gas. Turkey imports LNG from about 12 countries and sources natural gas via pipelines from four different countries. To date, we have not faced any challenges to our energy supply security, and we remain vigilant in monitoring the situation.” He underscored the importance of a swift resolution for both Turkey and the international community.
Oil and Gas Developments
Turkey’s Oil Reserves and International Coordination
The International Energy Agency (IEA) recently requested that member countries release part of their oil reserves. Minister Bayraktar announced, “Turkey will release around 11 million barrels from its own reserves over a 90-day period to help stabilize prices and prevent further sharp increases.”
Updates on Iraqi Oil and Pipeline Capacity
Regarding Iraqi oil, Bayraktar stated that in 2025, approximately 2.4 million tons of oil were delivered to Turkish refineries via pipelines, specifically mentioning the flow to the Kırıkkale refinery. He confirmed, “Oil flow has resumed, with daily volumes ranging between 170,000 and 250,000 barrels. The pipeline in question has a capacity of 1.5 million barrels, and we have proposed extending the line from Kirkuk to Basra, which could handle up to half of Iraq’s daily exports.”
New Projects and Strategic Partnerships
Exploration and Infrastructure Initiatives
The deep-sea drilling vessel Çağrı Bey is en route to Somalia and is expected to commence operations in mid-April. In the Black Sea, Turkey targets six drilling sites, with two new explorations set to begin soon.
New Floating Storage and Regasification Units (FSRU) are planned for Dörtyol—where two units will operate—and another facility is under consideration for the Gulf of Antalya.
International Agreements and Energy Architecture
Following meetings in Canada, Minister Bayraktar confirmed ongoing negotiations for LNG agreements and revealed collaboration on nuclear reactor technology. He announced that Turkey’s new energy architecture, based on the long-term National Energy Plan unveiled in 2021, will be shared with the public this year. Additionally, Bayraktar noted that COP31 will be hosted in Antalya.
Bayraktar also highlighted a significant renewable energy agreement with Saudi Arabia and disclosed ongoing work on an electricity transmission line from Saudi Arabia to Turkey, with the potential to transfer electricity onwards to Europe.
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