Iran and Turkmenistan Engage in Energy Cooperation Talks Amid Gas Shortage

Iran and Turkmenistan are in negotiations to strengthen cooperation in the oil and gas sectors amid Iran’s escalating energy crisis. Despite Turkmenistan’s willingness to boost gas supplies, negotiations remain stalled due to Iran’s reported unpaid debts. The interactions highlight the urgency for Iran to resume imports to address harsh winter conditions affecting northern provinces.

Top officials from Iran and Turkmenistan have begun discussions aimed at enhancing cooperation in the oil and gas sectors, as Iran faces a significant gas shortage during a particularly harsh winter. Shana News Agency reported that on February 12, Turkish Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov engaged with Iranian Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, highlighting the necessity of collaboration between the two nations.

Iran has been eager to establish a broader gas agreement with Turkmenistan in recent years to satisfy its increasing domestic demands. The talks have yet to yield tangible outcomes, although Turkmenistan has expressed readiness to increase its gas supply to Iran amidst competing interests from Iraq and Turkey looking to finalize deals involving gas swaps with Turkmenistan.

Oil Minister Paknejad emphasized the commitment of Pezeshkian’s administration to improving relations with Turkmenistan, particularly concerning oil and gas, which remains a priority for both governments. Meredov’s visit purposes to actualize shared agreements made by senior officials of both countries, underpinning the significance of their longstanding gas trade since Turkmenistan’s independence in 1991.

An anonymous source within Iran’s Oil Ministry disclosed that Tehran is vigorously pursuing the resumption of gas imports from Turkmenistan to mitigate supply shortages in its northern regions amidst the winter surge in demand. This urgent requirement highlights the critical situation Iran currently faces with its energy supplies.

In a related event, Minister Paknejad unexpectedly cancelled a scheduled visit to the southern port city of Assaluyeh, a fundamental area for Iran’s gas operations. The cancellation was attributed to ongoing discussions with the Turkmen delegation, reflecting the urgency and importance of the negotiations at hand.

Despite possessing the second-largest natural gas reserves globally, Iran has relied on Turkmen gas imports since 1997 to satisfy energy requirements in its northern provinces. Since the 1990s, Turkmenistan has supplied Iran with approximately 107 billion cubic meters of gas.

Nevertheless, complications have arisen despite a swap agreement signed in 2021, with Turkmenistan asserting that Iran owes them approximately $1.8 billion in outstanding debts, which has hindered gas export efforts. In November, President Pezeshkian acknowledged Turkmenistan’s hesitance to proceed with exports, attributing this reluctance to Iran’s inconsistent payment history.

In summary, Iran is intensifying its efforts to revitalize gas imports from Turkmenistan amid a pressing domestic energy crisis. Ongoing talks reflect a mutual interest in fortifying economic ties, particularly in energy sectors. However, unresolved financial obligations and gas export complications remain significant obstacles to achieving a beneficial cooperation between the two nations. The situation underscores the delicate balance of energy needs and economic relations in this region.

Original Source: www.intellinews.com

About Carmen Mendez

Carmen Mendez is an engaging editor and political journalist with extensive experience. After completing her degree in journalism at Yale University, she worked her way up through the ranks at various major news organizations, holding positions from staff writer to editor. Carmen is skilled at uncovering the nuances of complex political scenarios and is an advocate for transparent journalism.

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