Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Fatih Dönmez suggested that a path to delivering gas from a fresh Black Sea field could emerge in April, a timeline he conveyed to Anadolu Agency. His remarks reflect ongoing evaluations of the field’s logistics, staffing realities, and the regulatory steps required to bring a regional energy project to fruition.
The minister explained that some design personnel behind the gas distribution center were delayed by the aftermath of a major earthquake, with families and recovery needs taking priority as relief operations continued. Even so, Dönmez noted that a portion of the workforce is already resuming duties, signaling progress toward the planned milestones.
He added that operating the gas facility will necessitate changes in legislation to fit the technical and administrative demands of the project. Authorities intend to activate the gas distribution center within the current year, provided the legal framework is in place and the necessary regulatory steps are completed. The objective is to finalize the legal groundwork so the center can begin functioning soon after the reforms take effect.
Before assuming his current duties, Dönmez served on the Security and Foreign Policy Council chaired by Turkey’s president. Ankara has signaled that Russian investment will play a pivotal role in constructing a regional gas hub, highlighting the strategic value of attracting capital and expertise to accelerate gas infrastructure development and regional energy security. Analysts view the hub as a potential cornerstone for Turkey’s broader energy strategy, aimed at diversifying supply routes, stabilizing domestic gas prices, and strengthening regional cooperation in the Black Sea basin. The government’s approach combines practical project management with thorough legislative planning to ensure the center can operate smoothly in a changing market environment. This includes coordinating with international partners and aligning with Turkey’s long-term energy objectives while navigating geopolitical considerations that shape regional energy projects.