Turkish Energy Minister Alper Bayraktar announced on Sunday that his country will receive part of Russian diesel supplies destined for global markets, under the understanding reached between Moscow and Washington, emphasizing the importance of these supplies for enhancing Turkey's energy security.
Bayraktar, in statements relayed by Reuters, said that Russia had imposed restrictions on diesel exports in recent months before reaching an agreement with the United States on resuming fuel flows to global markets, noting that Ankara's talks with Moscow would allow Turkey to benefit from a portion of these supplies.
Plans to Increase Gas Production
In a related development, Bayraktar revealed plans to increase domestic natural gas production by operating a second floating production platform in the first quarter of 2028, which would raise daily production from Black Sea fields to approximately 45 million cubic meters.
Turkey sent the 'Osman Gazi' platform, the country's first floating gas production platform, to the Black Sea on Saturday, where it is expected to contribute to raising production at the Sakarya field, Turkey's largest gas field, to about 20 million cubic meters daily, compared to the current 9.5 million cubic meters.
Bayraktar clarified that operating the second platform will add significant production capacity, enabling Turkey to meet a larger share of its domestic gas needs and reduce reliance on imports.
He also noted that planned oil and gas exploration operations off the coast of Pakistan have been delayed by about six months due to regional repercussions linked to the war in the Middle East and their impact on the region.
Turkey has been striving for years to enhance its energy security through a mix of diversifying import sources and developing local resources, especially after gas discoveries in the Black Sea.
The Sakarya field is the cornerstone of Ankara's strategy to lower the energy bill and reduce reliance on imports, while maintaining close energy relations with Russia, which remains one of the leading suppliers of gas and oil to the Turkish market.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
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