Turkey rejects Iran’s gas export proposal

Merve Erdil - ISTANBUL

REUTERS Photo

Iran has proposed doubling exports of its natural gas for a discount in prices, but Ankara has rejected the offer, Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh stated on April 14.

Iran currently exports around 10 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas to Turkey. Sources from the Turkish Energy Ministry stated that Iran declined to make any cuts in the price of gas exports, but it offered to open a new gas supply line of around 10 bcm at a cheaper price, which Ankara deemed “unacceptable.” 

Turkey continues to buy its most costly gas from Iran, compared to its other biggest suppliers, Russia and Azerbaijan. 

According to unofficial figures, Turkey pays $490 for 1,000 cubic meters of Iranian gas, $425 for Russian gas and $335 for Azeri gas. 

During his visit to Tehran at the beginning of April, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan hinted that Turkey could buy more gas from Iran if the latter made a discount in the price. 

Energy Minister Taner Yıldız had also said Turkey would buy more gas from Iran if the required commercial conditions are met. 

Turkey has filed two complaints in the International Court of Arbitration accusing Iran of overcharging for its gas, while also complaining of its low quality and quantity. 

Minister Yıldız said earlier that the court is set to issue its final verdict on the dispute in May. Zanganeh said the International Court’s verdict was in favor of Iran, but the release of its second verdict is expected in two months, according to Natural Gas Europe. 

Turkey’s annual gas consumption is around 50 bcm. Turkey imports 27 bcm of gas from Russia and 6 bcm from Azerbaijan, as well as 10 bcm from Iran.

Iran sells 95 percent of its total gas to Turkey and 5 percent to Armenia.