Russia warns it will reject any extra gas demand from Turkey

Turkey’s largest natural gas provider, Russia, has warned state-owned Turkish Pipeline Company (BOTAS) to refrain from demanding more gas than the amount specified in a supply contract between the two countries, according to Energy Ministry officials, leaving Turkey with the threat of yet another natural gas crisis looming on the horizon.

Turkey has been relying on Russia for natural gas, especially in the winter months, when Iran has failed in the past to provide the amount required.


Leaving questions about the issue unanswered, BOTAS officials hinted that Turkey was likely to face what could turn out a serious energy crisis this winter. Some officials from the energy sector attribute this Russian attitude to the Energy Ministry’s increasing friendliness with its Persian counterpart.

Natural gas rapidly became widespread in Turkey after importations began in 1987, and today nearly the whole country uses it. Along with the industrial sector, more than 6 million residences consume natural gas for heating. Fifty percent of Turkey’s electricity production is also managed with natural gas. Nearly 70 percent of last year’s consumption was imported from Russia, while the rest came from Iran, Nigeria and the spot market.

Today’s Zaman