Turkish energy min to Azerbaijan for likely gas talks

The visit of the energy minister raised eyebrows as it comes on the heel of a recent report detailing Turkey’s plan to demand an increase in Azerbaijani gas exports.

Turkey was planning to increase natural gas deliveries from Azerbaijan for winter and Turkey's energy minister would visit Baku for this aim, Azerbaijani ABC.az reported citing state-run Petroleum Pipeline Corporation (BOTAS) this week.

BOTAS informed that the minister would discuss the company and the Turkish Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources' plan to increase the daily gas delivery from Azerbaijan to 12-15 million cubic meters (cu m) from 8 cu m, during his visit to Baku, the report had said.

At present Gazprom provides 60 percent of Turkish gas demands. Increase in deliveries from Azerbaijan is linked with the further development of its Shah Deniz field in the Caspian Sea. The field currently produces about 25 million cu m a day, and is expected to rise to 30 million cu m a day when the fifth commissioned exploratory well begins production.

Guler is expected to be received by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and hold a meeting with Azerbaijani Energy Minister Natiq Aliyev.

During his stay in Azerbaijan, Guler will also meet with Georgian Energy Minister Alexander Khetaguri.