Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced rapid progress on a strategic initiative aimed at establishing a gas trade center for the republic. Speaking in Balikesir, the president outlined the plan in detail on TRT, underscoring the government’s commitment to accelerating the project and turning Turkey into a pivotal hub for natural gas within the region. The president emphasized that the country is moving decisively toward becoming a center for the production, transportation, and sale of natural gas, highlighting the multi-faceted approach needed to realize this goal.
According to the president, authorities are actively developing both domestic gas pipelines and storage facilities to ensure a robust supply chain for blue fuel. The initiative envisions a integrated network that connects producers with consumers, supports regional energy security, and enhances Turkey’s role in regional energy markets. The plan includes reinforcing infrastructure, streamlining regulatory processes, and fostering public-private partnerships to attract investment and expertise necessary for a dependable gas distribution and trading system.
Earlier information from a TASS report citing the Turkish Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources indicated that work is underway to organize the legal framework for the gas distribution center project. The timeline foresees a launch within one year, with regulatory steps aligned to enable pilot operations and subsequent expansion. The development is presented as a long-term national objective designed to modernize energy logistics, increase market transparency, and improve competitive access for buyers and sellers across Turkey and neighboring regions.
In related remarks, a spokesperson for the Kremlin stated that there is no doubt Turkey will recover from the impacts of the recent earthquake and proceed with its broader energy plans. While acknowledging the scale of the disaster, the spokesperson stressed that the gas hub remains a strategic project that could receive regional and international support if needed. The Kremlin’s position emphasizes collaboration and contingency planning, with Russia and other interested partners offering assistance to Turkey during reconstruction and energy stabilization efforts.