Turkmenistan pushes TAPI gas transit through Afghanistan to 2026
Turkmenistan has said it has postponed the start of natural gas transit through the Afghan section of the TAPI pipeline until 2026. The project, which was expected to strengthen Afghanistan’s role as a regional energy corridor, has been delayed because of security conditions and inadequate infrastructure in the country.
Maksud Babayev, head of the state-owned Turkmengaz company, said at the Turkmenistan Oil and Gas Conference in Ashgabat that construction of the pipeline segment between Serhetabat in Turkmenistan and Herat in Afghanistan has been delayed, but work is continuing according to plan. He said the gas transit plan through Afghanistan would take place by 2026.
The TAPI pipeline has the capacity to transport 33 billion cubic metres of gas a year and is intended to carry Turkmen gas to Pakistan and India via Afghanistan. However, the project faces challenges to full operation because of the fragile security situation and restrictions imposed by the Taliban administration in Afghanistan.
Turkmen officials see the plan as more than just an energy transit project, describing it as an opportunity to expand economic cooperation and improve regional ties. However, residents and experts said instability in Afghanistan has put at risk the economic benefits of the pipeline.
Later, on 10 August 2026, the national leader of the Turkmen people visited Herat province, and Turkmengaz and Afghan Gas signed a memorandum of understanding to supply gas to Herat province. This comes as energy supply in Afghanistan remains unreliable because of widespread infrastructure and management problems.
The TAPI project is of great importance, but until the Taliban administration can provide lasting security and the conditions needed to implement the plan, Afghanistan will remain deprived of the economic opportunities it could bring.
