Ankara – Türkiye has reached an annual natural gas supply infrastructure capacity of 70–80 billion cubic meters and an export potential exceeding 10 billion cubic meters through sustained investments, while greater and more effective participation by the private sector could accelerate the export process, industry representatives say.
As part of long-term infrastructure investments, Türkiye has expanded its liquefied natural gas (LNG) capacity with a total of five facilities—two onshore LNG terminals and three Floating Storage and Regasification Units (FSRUs)—raising daily regasification capacity to 161 million cubic meters. At the same time, the number of entry points to the national natural gas grid has increased to 14, with daily gas intake capacity reaching 495 million cubic meters.
Underground natural gas storage capacity at the Silivri and Tuz Gölü facilities has reached 6.3 billion cubic meters, while steps are also being taken to increase domestic gas production. With these developments, Türkiye has gained the ability to procure gas from multiple sources and currently exports natural gas to Europe and Syria.
Thanks to these investments and long-term planning, Türkiye’s infrastructure is expected to exceed its annual domestic consumption of around 60 billion cubic meters, enabling supply of 70–80 billion cubic meters annually and supporting an export capacity of up to 10 billion cubic meters.
Private Sector Seen as Key to Accelerating Exports
Speaking to Anadolu Agency (AA) on the sidelines of the 4th International Türkiye Black Sea Oil and Gas Congress and Exhibition—bringing together senior executives from leading oil and gas companies in Türkiye and the Black Sea region, as well as regulatory authorities—Murat Kalay, Secretary General of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Platform Association (PETFORM), said directing surplus gas to exports would generate additional revenue and help reduce Türkiye’s import bill.
Kalay stressed the importance of gas sales to neighboring countries under the leadership of the state pipeline operator BOTAŞ, while also emphasizing the need to include the private sector in this trade cycle. “As a public company, BOTAŞ operates in a more controlled manner, but the practicality and entrepreneurial capacity of the private sector can accelerate this process,” he said.
While underscoring that energy supply security and access to sustainable and affordable energy remain top priorities, Kalay added:
“We respect the state’s priorities, BOTAŞ’s responsibilities, and the current regulations of the Energy Market Regulatory Authority (EPDK). However, we believe the private sector must now become part of this system. There is a ‘student’ that has completed all preparations in terms of legislation, operational capacity, and infrastructure—the only problem is not being allowed to take the exam.”
According to Kalay, a fully liberalized market would allow capable players to stand out, while weaker structures would naturally exit the system. “Türkiye has energy companies with strong capital bases, and they are ready to invest when ideal market conditions are established,” he said.
Market Liberalization and Balanced Burden Sharing
Kalay noted that although some companies have natural gas import rights and capacity, a lack of full liberalization has prevented the formation of a healthy market structure, limiting the private sector’s contribution. “Balancing the burden currently shouldered by BOTAŞ will contribute to the long-term and proper structuring of the market,” he said.
Emphasizing that Türkiye does not face a supply security problem, Kalay said existing pipeline contracts, LNG terminals, and underground storage facilities ensure the country can safely navigate extraordinary periods. He added that this structure places Türkiye in a critical position for Southeastern European countries.
“Regional countries are trying to ensure their supply security through integrated systems and agreements established with Türkiye,” Kalay said. “Türkiye, in turn, meets its own needs at reasonable cost and offers the region an alternative source amid changing energy balances.”
Gradual Subsidy Reform Could Support the Process
Kalay also said the sector has long expected regulatory steps toward pricing that reflects the true cost of natural gas for end users. “Gas must compete with gas. Türkiye has strong infrastructure, but it needs a multi-player structure where the private sector is active alongside BOTAŞ,” he said, noting that many European companies generate significant value solely through gas trading.
He argued that a gradual transition to subsidies would activate the market, create the desired trade volume, and ultimately have a positive impact on prices. Limiting subsidies for consumption above average household levels and moving toward cost-based pricing for higher-income users would help create a healthier market, he added.
“As competition among gas suppliers increases and import opportunities expand, the market will deepen, and the benefits will be reflected in prices for end consumers,” Kalay said. “Support can be fully maintained—or even free supply provided—for households in need, but other users should be billed based on real costs.”
Kalay concluded that proper pricing would also encourage energy efficiency. “For consumers outside economically vulnerable groups, energy should be offered at its true cost so that savings and efficiency awareness can take root,” he said.
Source: Anadolu Ajansı/ Prepared by: İlayda Gök