Possible dispute between Russia and Turkmenistan over gas

The project to build Turkmenistan’s Trans-Caspian gas pipeline, which Ashgabat hopes will be its means of reaching a thirsty Europe, faces many problems, most difficult to finance, and possible Russian anger that its ally will take its place.

Europe has been searching for new supply lines since a historic energy crisis began due to the invasion of Ukraine, the imposition of Western sanctions on Russia, which has been a major source of gas on the continent, while Turkmenistan is racing to take advantage of this demand.

The slow supply of gas pipelines to Europe, in a country that is in the world’s fourth place in its fuel reserves, could result in a loss of competition with other producing countries.

Moscow attacked Kiev in late February 2022, and Western countries intensified their sanctions on Russia, leading to major confusion in global energy markets and record price rises. Europe was its biggest victim, with the aggressor being a major producer of oil, gas and coal, and a major source of gas needs for the Old Continent, according to reports seen by the specialized energy platform.

Turkmenistan is looking to mobilize funding support for the construction of the Trans-Caspian pipeline – also known as the Caspian Sea gas pipeline – which came to public in 2007, although there are still less expensive alternatives.

“There are no political or economic factors hindering the inauguration of the Trans-Caspian-Turkmenistan pipeline, but only funding is the reason,” the Foreign Ministry said in a rare statement early in July.

Because Turkmenistan is located in Asia, it is well placed to become one of the world’s fastest growing gas markets.

However, Turkmenistan’s bet must be on Europe, where there are not many areas requiring large quantities of gas outside the Union, which seeks to eliminate dependence on Russia after its invasion of Ukraine.

Turkmenistan has strong ties with Russia so far, at a time when its relationship with the West is weakening, and there are no contacts between Brussels and Ashgabat paving the way for the Asian country to become a gas exporter to Europe in the future, according to an official European official.

Once built, Turkmenistan’s Trans-Caspian gas pipeline will supply Europe with approximately 30 billion cubic metres per year, an amount equivalent to the needs of a country like Italy in 6 months.