Turkmenistan plans TAPI gas pipeline start in 2027
Turkmenistan has planned to begin gas transmission through the TAPI pipeline in 2027.
Turkmen officials said the country’s natural gas output will rise to about 80 billion cubic metres by 2026 and remain at that level in 2027. At present, half of this gas production is exported to China and Uzbekistan.
Gas transit from Turkmenistan to Afghanistan via the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) pipeline was one of the main issues discussed at a meeting of Turkmen officials in Ashgabat. Under the announced plans, construction of the Serhetabat-Herat section of the pipeline will be completed by the end of 2026, and gas transmission will begin from mid-2027. However, the exact timing of the project depends on the readiness of the Afghan side.
The project is designed to expand regional cooperation and increase access to natural gas resources, but progress under current conditions in Afghanistan and with existing infrastructure presents serious challenges.
In addition, Turkmen officials referred to the development of gas transit across the Caspian Sea route and an increase in oil production. The country’s oil output will rise to eight million tonnes in 2026, up 0.5 million tonnes from the previous year.
At the same meeting, it was said that seven foreign companies from Austria, Germany and Turkey had submitted proposals to participate in a project to build underground gas storage facilities, and the review of these proposals is nearing its final stages.
Turkmen officials added that the number of foreign representatives attending this year’s international oil and gas conference and exhibition in the country had increased by 40%, with about 700 delegates from 75 countries taking part. The event is seen as an opportunity to expand international cooperation and attract investment in Turkmenistan’s energy sector.
