Turkey continues to expand cooperation with Russia and Azerbaijan in the natural gas sector while positioning itself as a major energy hub for the wider Eurasian region, Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said at the Verona Eurasian Economic Forum in Istanbul.
“Gas remains a key pillar of our energy system,” Bayraktar stated.
“Millions of households and industries rely on it. Since 2016, our gas consumption has increased fivefold. Turkey now meets its own needs and has also become an energy center for the region, ensuring supply both to the West and the East.”
The minister noted that Turkey is advancing multiple domestic extraction projects, including development of the Sakarya gas field in the Black Sea, whose reserves are estimated at 785 billion cubic meters. Daily production there is expected to soon reach 40 million cubic meters.
On the oil front, Bayraktar said output from the Gabar oil field has already reached 80,000 barrels per day. “These projects strengthen Turkey’s energy independence, open investment opportunities, and build the foundation for deeper regional partnerships,” he added.
Bayraktar also outlined Turkey’s Energy Efficiency Action Plan, targeting a 16% reduction in energy consumption and a 100-million-ton cut in CO₂ emissions by 2030. The program is expected to create thousands of jobs and boost competitiveness, supported by training hundreds of Turkish students abroad in nuclear and renewable energy.
“Turkey is becoming increasingly attractive for investors,” Bayraktar said.
“It provides access to multiple markets and serves as an energy, trade, and innovation bridge connecting Central Asia, Europe, the Mediterranean, and Africa.”
