Turkey plans to increase its purchases of Russian gas

Turkey, a major importer of Russian gas, is ready to increase its purchase through the "Blue Stream" pipelin, Energy Minister Taner Yildiz says.

Turkey plans to buy 3 billion cubic meters more, from the current 16 to 19 billion cubic meters , Yildiz said, stressing that the Russian and Turkish sides have agreed in principle to extend the power of the "Blue Stream" and are currently discussing new contracts for the supply of Russian gas to the private sector for "a reasonable price." To increase supplies, Gazprom can expand the coastal infrastructure pipeline in Russia, Lenta.ru reports.

The Minister of Energy already requested an increase in the power of "Blue Stream", through which Russian gas goes to Turkey via the Black Sea in mid-April. By expanding the pipeline's capacity, the authorities want to protect the national economy from a possible termination of deliveries through the overland pipeline, passing also through the territory of Ukraine. From this direction, Turkey receives about 12.5% of its gas.

At the same time, Turkey has offered Russia to revise fuel prices. The Energy Minister believes that the current contracts reserve the right to seek a review of Turkey's gas prices. Last week, Yildiz also said that the government may allow the gasket of "South Stream" through  the country if Russia requests it.