63 bcm of Russian gas could be exported from Türkiye to Europe: Russia’s deputy premier

By E. Gurkan Abay

MOSCOW (AA) - A significant amount of natural gas could be exported to Europe via Türkiye, Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandr Novak said on Friday.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Novak said that South Stream natural gas pipeline – the project that is later cancelled and turned into TurkStream – was planned as four lines with a capacity of approximately 63 billion cubic meters.

"If there is demand, this potential extra capacity can be used to deliver gas to European consumers via the Black Sea and Türkiye," he said.

Novak said that Türkiye and Russia have “extremely good relations” in the field of energy.

Speaking about Russia's proposal to make Türkiye an energy hub, Novak said: "TurkStream's capacity is 31.5 billion cubic meters. One of the lines is for export to other countries."

He said that the establishment of a center for Russian gas in Türkiye is an issue under consideration, adding: "If there is such a need and all parties show interest, I think such a project can be evaluated."

- ‘We don't want high gas prices’

"The operation of the pipeline is the responsibility of the relevant company and they have the necessary security services. Their work is definitely strengthened for the safe and reliable operation of the pipeline in the current situation," Novak said about the claims of sabotage attempts against TurkStream pipelines.

Speaking on the issue of price reduction in the export of Russian gas to Türkiye, Novak said that the current prices on the market are artificially created.

Novak said that European politicians have created an artificial natural gas supply problem in European markets.

"Perhaps the most important issue is how to ensure the adequacy of resources in Europe for the normalization of prices," he said.

Novak emphasized that high prices in natural gas are not a situation Russia sought, saying: "We don't want high prices. If prices are high, an effort for attaining alternative and renewable energy sources can be utilized faster."

* Writing By Murat Temizer