Gazprom Drops Ambitious Turkish Gas Hub Plan to Supply Europe

News About Turkey - NAT
3 Min Read

Russia’s state-owned energy giant Gazprom has dropped plans to develop a major natural gas hub in Turkey, effectively shelving a proposal once touted as a key alternative for restoring Russian gas flows to Europe after the disruption of the Nord Stream pipelines.

The decision, first reported by Bloomberg, was attributed to a combination of technical limitations, political disagreements, and commercial obstacles. Sources familiar with the matter said that limited pipeline capacity from Turkey into the European Union, unresolved disputes over marketing rights, and the EU’s continuing push to phase out Russian gas by 2027 made the project unfeasible.

The proposed hub, publicly announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin in October 2022, was designed to reroute up to 55 billion cubic meters of gas annually through Turkey following the sabotage of the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines. The Kremlin framed the initiative as part of a broader strategy to retain influence in Europe’s energy market despite mounting Western sanctions and supply disruptions.

While the plan initially received a warm reception from some Turkish officials, momentum stalled over time. Gazprom reportedly grew uneasy as Ankara sought to control pricing and sales through the hub, potentially curbing Moscow’s influence over regional energy markets. Additionally, Turkey lacks the necessary infrastructure to export significant gas volumes into Europe, particularly through neighboring Greece and Bulgaria.

According to the report, the Turkish hub concept was met with skepticism within Gazprom from the outset, with internal discussions now largely halted. Although the project has been shelved, existing gas trade between Russia and Turkey remains unaffected. Turkey continues to be one of Gazprom’s largest clients, with long-term contracts still in place.

Officials from Turkey’s Energy Ministry and the state pipeline operator BOTAŞ declined to comment. However, a Turkish government source told Bloomberg that Ankara remains open to future cooperation should conditions change, although discussions have been dormant for some time.

The move marks a significant shift in Russia’s post-Ukraine invasion energy strategy and highlights the growing difficulty Moscow faces in maintaining its energy foothold in Europe.

Share This Article
Founded by a small group of Turkish/Kurdish scholars who have been subjected to persecution at the hands of the Erdogan dictatorship, News About Turkey (NAT) has emerged as a platform that is both exceptional and invaluable. Our objective is to provide you with a comprehensive and sophisticated understanding of the events and developments in Turkey (Türkiye), a country with profound historical and geopolitical importance, a vibrant culture, and a strategic location. Our founders, who have been purged by the Erdogan regime after the so-called coup attempt, are aware of the significance of journalism that is both free and independent. Because of this understanding, we are committed to providing reporting and analysis that is both objective and comprehensive. To give you the most thorough coverage of Turkey, we go further than just scratching the surface. Keep in touch with us so that you can have a better understanding of Turkey's developing story as well as vital and comprehensive news items. Whether you are a resident of Turkey, a member of the Turkish/Kurdish diaspora, or simply someone who has a strong interest in this vital country, we are the most reliable source for news that not only informs but also inspires and engages you.
Leave a comment