2026 to be ‘Record Year’ for natural gas in Türkiye
Türkiye is set to make 2026 a new “record year” for natural gas, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said on Thursday, outlining major developments and a new strategy in the energy sector.
Speaking to A Haber, Bayraktar said six new deep-sea drilling operations are planned off the coasts of Rize, Ordu, Kastamonu and Samsun. He added that the Osman Gazi floating production platform will be commissioned to boost Black Sea gas output.
The platform is expected to supply natural gas to 4 million households for 20 years, raising Türkiye’s total production capacity to meet the needs of 8 million households, Bayraktar said.
Recalling the adoption of a new energy strategy this year, the minister noted that Türkiye aims to expand its oil and gas expertise abroad through new business models and partnerships, following production successes in Gabar and the Black Sea.
State-run Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) recently signed an agreement with ExxonMobil for exploration in the Black Sea, the Mediterranean and other international areas. Bayraktar said a similar deal with Chevron is planned. He added that Türkiye aims to reach daily oil production of 500,000 barrels by 2028, with a long-term target of 1 million barrels.
Bayraktar also said 2026 will be “the year of energy cooperation” between Türkiye and Libya, noting preparations for a new licensing tender in Libya and plans for offshore and onshore projects.
In Somalia, Türkiye will begin drilling in three offshore fields in 2026, with the first operation set to start in April. New drilling vessels have been added to Türkiye’s fleet, with one scheduled to be deployed to Somalia. Planned exploration activities in Pakistan were also confirmed.
Addressing Syria, Bayraktar said Türkiye has increased electricity supplies to northern Syria and has begun delivering natural gas via Kilis to support households and power plants. He reiterated that Türkiye’s goal is to help normalize life and ensure access to basic services in the country.
Bayraktar added that construction of the first reactor at the Akkuyu nuclear power plant is 99% complete and said there are currently no plans to raise natural gas prices in February.
