Russia’s 6 percent gas price discount not final, says Turkish energy minister

ANKARA

Turkey and Russia signed new agreements on energy during Russian President Vladimir Putin's Ankara visit on Dec. 1. AA PHot

The 6 percent gas price discount granted by Russia to Turkey is not final, Turkish Energy Minister Taner Yıldız has said, adding that price negotiations are continuing after Ankara submitted a counter bid seeking a deeper cut.

“We find the Russia’s move positive, but our counter proposal is still being negotiated. We are asking for more of a gas discount from Russia,” Yıldız said at a news conference Dec. 2 to announce the details of the latest energy deals between Turkey and Russia.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said late Dec. 1 that Russia would give Turkey a 6 percent discount for the gas it supplies, but Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak later said Turkey was seeking a 15 percent discount.

Speaking also about a new pipeline project to be negotiated with Russia, Novak said no talks had been made about the potential share of Turkey’s state-run pipeline company BOTAŞ.