Minister: Türkiye to reduce gas imports thanks to field in Black Sea

Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Fatih Donmez has said that the proven reserves of natural gas at the Sakarya field in the Turkish sector of the Black Sea reach 710 billion cubic metres, which is enough to cover the 33-year demand of the Turkish population.

The goal has been set to reach the maximum level of gas production in the Black Sea within four years, which will reduce the import of gas by 30 per cent, Donmez noted, Anadolu Agency reports.

“About 6,500 people are involved in the operations on the onshore section of the project, while 2,500 specialists are involved in the offshore section. Some 18 foreign engineers received Turkish citizenship during the implementation of the project,” he said.

Touching upon the topic of postponing the payment of Turkish Petroleum International Company’s (BOTAS) debt to the Russian side, the minister said that negotiations on this issue are underway.

“The payments have not been postponed. We are holding talks with Russia in many spheres. We will choose the most advantageous option for the Turkish side. BOTAS is directly negotiating with Russia’s Gazprom company,” the minister noted.