Turkmenistan is accelerating plans to diversify its natural gas exports, with key projects like the TAPI pipeline and the trans-Caspian pipeline gaining momentum. Myrat Archayev, deputy chairman of Turkmengaz, revealed that the first section of the TAPI pipeline, stretching from Turkmenistan to Herat in Afghanistan, is about 80% complete and should be finished by the end of 2026. The second section, which will extend through southern Afghanistan to Pakistan, is set to be prioritized in 2027, though no firm timeline was given for gas deliveries to South Asia.
Archayev also highlighted the trans-Caspian pipeline as a "priority," signaling a shift from Turkmenistan's earlier reluctance. While China remains the primary buyer of Turkmen gas, Archayev emphasized the country's openness to Western investment in equipment and technology. The trans-Caspian pipeline faces hurdles, including seabed delimitation between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan, financing, and ensuring sufficient gas volumes.
Turkmenistan is hosting a major oil & gas forum in Ashgabat later this month, aiming to attract over 400 participants and investment in areas like digitalization and environmental technologies. Meanwhile, regional dynamics are favoring the trans-Caspian route, with Kazakhstan seeking alternative export paths and new energy discoveries in Central Asia potentially boosting the project's viability.
Despite progress, significant obstacles remain, including unresolved seabed delimitation and funding discussions among TAPI's stakeholders. Archayev acknowledged the challenges but stressed the project's strategic importance for Turkmenistan, which holds the world's fourth-largest natural gas reserves.