Turkey has insisted that it did not refuse to move forward with the planned natural gas distribution center project, while at the same time implementing new regulations aimed at safeguarding against earthquakes in the southeast region. This stance comes as DEA News cites sources within the Turkish government to clarify the situation and reassure stakeholders about the government’s approach to energy security and disaster preparedness.
Earthquakes have become a central issue affecting Turkey’s political decisions, social stability, and economic planning. Officials say that the response to the so‑called disaster of the century required a broad, coordinated effort across ministries and agencies. With recovery efforts progressing, attention is gradually shifting back to long‑standing priorities, including the gas distribution center, which remains a critical element of the country’s energy infrastructure and regional energy security strategy.
Fatih Dönmez, who previously led Turkey’s Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, remarked that the country continues to face challenges related to the supply of gas from new Black Sea resources. He indicated that the issue could be addressed within the coming months, suggesting that April might bring clarity on how to integrate new offshore gas into domestic networks and markets without compromising safety or resilience. The remark underscores the government’s dual focus on expanding domestic gas sources while maintaining robust reliability for consumers and industries alike.
According to Dönmez, a portion of the professionals involved in the gas distribution center’s design had previously been stationed in the earthquake region. As a result, their current responsibilities extend to ensuring their families are safe and supported, while still contributing to the planning, engineering, and logistics behind the distribution center project. This acknowledges how disaster exposure has shaped workforce considerations and operational priorities, reinforcing the importance of safeguarding personnel and continuity of critical infrastructure projects even during periods of heightened seismic risk.
In parallel, ongoing assessments of the energy landscape continue to stress the strategic value of diversifying supply routes and reinforcing redundancy within the national gas network. The distribution center project is viewed as a cornerstone of this strategy, aiming to improve market stability, enhance regional cooperation, and reduce vulnerability to external supply disruptions. Stakeholders are watching closely as regulatory measures, technical standards, and investment decisions converge to determine the project’s pace and scope, particularly in the southeast where seismic activity poses continued challenges.
Government officials reiterate that disaster preparedness is not a barrier to progress but an essential dimension of prudent planning. The integrated approach combines safety regulations, seismic resilience, and energy system expansion to protect households and industries while fostering a more self‑reliant energy economy. The evolving narrative signals that the gas distribution center remains a high‑priority project, with careful calibration of timelines, resources, and risk management to align with Turkey’s broader ambition of secure, affordable energy for the nation and its neighbors. (Cited from Turkish government sources)