Amid a sharp drop in hydropower production due to ongoing drought and high temperatures, Turkey has significantly increased its coal imports from Russia. In the first half of 2025, Russia’s energy coal exports to Turkey surged by 41% year-on-year, reaching 15.7 million tons, according to a report by Kommersant.
The rise in demand is primarily attributed to reduced hydroelectric generation caused by hot weather, coupled with steady cement production levels. Additionally, a decline in coal output from Colombia has further strengthened Russia’s position in the Turkish market.
In June alone, coal shipments from Russia to Turkey totaled 1.89 million tons. As of the end of July, the price of Russian coal at Turkish ports climbed to $88.2 per ton, marking the fastest weekly price increase across Western markets.
Energy consultancy NEFT Research forecasts that total Russian coal exports to Turkey could reach between 25 and 30 million tons by the end of 2025.
Experts note that in the short term, Russia benefits from logistical advantages and competitive pricing. However, in the longer term, Turkey’s evolving energy policies may curb coal demand. Nearly 90% of the 13,000 megawatts of new energy projects currently under construction in Turkey are based on renewable energy sources.
Source: Patronlar Dünyası/ Prepared by: İlayda Gök