Minister: Azerbaijan’s strategic role as key oil, gas supplier vital for regional energy security

Azerbaijani Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov has highlighted that Azerbaijan's continued role as a key oil and gas supplier is crucial for the region's energy security. 

He made these remarks during a ministerial session at the Istanbul Natural Resources Summit in Türkiye, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

Shahbazov also stressed the importance of long-term gas contracts to ensure reliable and large-scale energy supplies to Europe.

“Without long-term agreements, investing substantial capital in gas extraction becomes risky, as there is no guarantee that the gas will reach its destination or secure a stable market,” he said.

“Azerbaijan remains a strategic supplier of both oil and gas,” Shahbazov said, noting the country’s ongoing joint energy projects with Türkiye.

He further revealed that Azerbaijan plans to supply approximately 10 billion cubic meters of gas to Türkiye in 2025.

"Türkiye is not only a consumer but also a vital transit hub. It is through Türkiye that gas reaches Europe," Shahbazov added, underscoring Türkiye's central role in the regional energy network.

The minister also addressed the growing challenges posed by global decarbonisation policies, which are making gas supply planning more complex.

Shahbazov warned that these policies are contributing to reduced investment in the gas sector, leading to a shortage of infrastructure necessary for the transportation of energy resources to international markets. 

Regarding green energy, Shahbazov outlined Azerbaijan’s active collaboration with Türkiye, Georgia, Romania, Bulgaria, and Central Asian nations on energy interconnectors. 

He explained, "These projects will not only connect regions but also strengthen both energy and climate security. They represent the energy projects of the future." 

The session also saw participation from energy ministers of Iraq, Egypt, Libya, Bulgaria, Romania, and Moldova. The discussions were moderated by Türkiye’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar.

By Naila Huseynova