Ashgabat: Turkmenistan is set to significantly enhance its natural gas output, aiming for a production level of 116 billion cubic meters annually by the year 2029. Rustam Tekeyev, the Head of the Gas Transportation and Supply Department at Turkmengaz State Concern, announced this development during the “Future of Turkmenistan’s natural gas: new export routes and export potential” panel discussion at the 29th “Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan – 2024” International Conference and EXPO.

According to Trend News Agency, Tekeyev revealed that under the socio-economic development program for 2022-2028, Turkmenistan’s gas production is projected to reach 116 billion cubic meters per year by the end of 2028. He highlighted that exports would comprise more than half of the planned output.

To support this expansion, Tekeyev outlined several infrastructure projects designed to bolster Turkmengaz’s operational capacity. These projects include the development of new branches for the Shatlyk-Karakum and Karakum-Malai gas pipe
lines, as well as a new gas connection between Naip-Deryalyk and Dovletabad-Deryalyk. Additionally, key sections of the Central Asia-Center-III gas pipeline are undergoing upgrades.

A vital component of this strategy is the construction of the Shatlyk-1 compressor station, which is expected to facilitate the transportation of 30 billion cubic meters of gas annually, thereby enhancing both domestic and export capabilities.

Turkmenistan, with its vast hydrocarbon resources, possesses more than 71 billion tons of oil equivalent, including over 50 trillion cubic meters of natural gas. This abundance ranks the country among the top four globally in proven natural gas reserves, alongside Russia, Iran, and Qatar, positioning it as a significant player in the Asian energy market.

In 2023, Turkmenistan produced 80.6 billion cubic meters of natural gas, marking a slight increase from the previous year’s output of 80 billion cubic meters.