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First Kilometers of TAPI Gas Pipeline Completed in Afghanistan

The first three kilometers of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline have been successfully laid in Afghanistan, according to Mohammed Murad Amanov, the executive director of TAPI Pipeline Company Ltd. Amanov stated that the construction is progressing rapidly, raising hopes for the timely completion of the project. Deputy Governor of Herat Province, Nakibullah Ayub, visited the construction site and confirmed that local authorities are fully prepared to support the project's swift advancement. So far, 3.4 kilometers of the pipeline route in Afghanistan have been prepared, aligning with the established schedule. The Afghan section of the TAPI pipeline, which spans 821 kilometers, officially began construction in September 2024. To date, technical surveys have been completed on 153 kilometers of the route, and the initial three kilometers of pipeline were laid within four months. TAPI is a landmark regional energy project that aims to transport natural gas from Turkmenistan’s Galkynysh gas fields to consumers in Pakistan and India, passing through Afghanistan. The project is expected to enhance economic stability in the region and attract significant foreign investment. Economic experts have highlighted the strategic importance of the TAPI pipeline for Afghanistan. Analyst Mohammad Asif Stanekzai remarked that the project could boost Afghanistan’s economic credibility and pave the way for increased foreign capital inflows. Additionally, Afghanistan is projected to earn approximately $400 million annually in transit fees. Last week, Afghanistan’s Acting Minister of Mines and Petroleum, Hidayatullah Badri, held discussions in Kabul with Mohammed Murad Amanov about the progress of the TAPI pipeline and strategies to expedite the remaining work.

Afghanistan TAPI Export of Natural Gas Natural gas Gas Pipelines

Turkmenistan and Afghanistan to Accelerate TAPI Gas Pipeline Project

During a working visit to Afghanistan on December 15, Turkmenistan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rashid Meredov, met with Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, to review the progress of major energy, transport, and infrastructure projects involving Turkmenistan in Afghanistan, the Turkmen Foreign Ministry reported. The ministers inspected the ongoing construction of the Afghan section of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) natural gas pipeline and agreed to accelerate its implementation, according to TOLOnews. Turkmenistan has already completed its section of the TAPI pipeline, designed to transport 33 billion cubic meters of Turkmen natural gas annually to Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India. The $10 billion TAPI project will span 1,814 kilometers, with 816 kilometers crossing Afghanistan. The pipeline will help meet Afghanistan’s domestic gas needs while generating approximately $450 million annually in transit fees. The pipeline will extend from Afghanistan to Quetta and Multan in Pakistan before reaching Fazilka in India. As part of the visit, the Turkmen foreign minister also inspected the construction of a fiber-optic communication line and a warehouse complex at the dry port of Turgundi railway station, located in Afghanistan’s northern Herat Province. Meredov further assessed progress on the Turgundi-Sanabar section of the Turgundi-Herat railroad. The Times of Central Asia previously reported that construction of the Afghan section of the TAPI pipeline officially began on September 11, 2024. Once operational, the TAPI pipeline will enable Turkmenistan — currently exporting natural gas primarily to China — to diversify its export routes. The project aligns with Turkmenistan’s broader plans to deliver gas across the Caspian Sea to Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Europe.

Gas Pipelines Energy Energy Security Energy Infrastructure Gas Natural gas Export of Natural Gas Turkmenistan

Uzbekistan Looks to Turkmen Gas to Tackle Winter Energy Crisis

Uzbekistan has faced persistent gas and electricity shortages for over 25 years, leaving many citizens to rely on stoves and makeshift heating systems to stay warm during harsh winters. In 2024 alone, 82 people have died, and another 80 remain in serious condition due to carbon monoxide poisoning. The situation could improve if Uzbekistan shifts to importing natural gas from Turkmenistan. Turkmenistan recently declined to renew its gas contract with Russia, citing its strategy to diversify exports and secure better prices. With natural gas reserves estimated at 17.5 trillion cubic meters, Turkmenistan is a regional energy powerhouse, supplying significant volumes to China while maintaining domestic stability. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan’s gas production has declined, exacerbating its energy crisis. Despite ranking 17th globally in terms of gas reserves, Uzbekistan produced only 33.48 billion cubic meters of natural gas between January and September 2024 - 4.8% less than during the same period last year. At the same time, energy demand is rising due to population growth and a 6% economic expansion. Experts suggest that prioritizing imports from Turkmenistan could alleviate Uzbekistan’s energy woes. Former Energy Minister Anvamirzo Khusainov highlights the 1,500-kilometer border shared by the two countries and the existing pipeline infrastructure that could facilitate Turkmen gas imports. However, such a decision would require Uzbekistan to reduce its historical reliance on Russia - a move that carries significant political implications. The approaching winter may force Tashkent to make this critical choice. Reliable and cost-effective gas supplies from Turkmenistan could provide much-needed relief and help Uzbekistan address its longstanding energy shortages.

China Oil & Gas Export/Import Export of Natural Gas Natural gas Gas Pipelines

Central Asia-China Pipeline Delivers 500 Billion Cubic Meters of Gas

For over 14 years, the China-Central Asia Gas Pipeline has been a vital conduit for clean energy, delivering more than 500 billion cubic meters of natural gas to China, according to a report by Xinhua, citing the West Pipeline Company of the Chinese PipeChina Corporation. The Khorgos gas compressor station, a critical component of the pipeline, serves as the primary entry point for Central Asian gas into China. Known as the “head station” and the “heart” of China's second and third lines of the West-to-East Gas Pipeline, the station plays a pivotal role in the system's operation. Since its commissioning in 2009, the Khorgos Compressor Station has operated safely and reliably for over 5,000 days, transporting over 500 billion cubic meters of natural gas. It is recognized as having the highest operational performance in Asia. With an operating pressure of 12 megapascals, the pipeline pumps more than 2,000 cubic meters of gas every second and can transport a maximum of 160 million cubic meters of gas daily. The 522.5 billion cubic meters of natural gas transported by the pipeline is equivalent to replacing 696 million tons of standard coal, reducing emissions by 764 million tons of carbon dioxide, 25 million tons of sulfur dioxide, 379 million tons of dust, and 6.27 million tons of nitrogen oxides. The Khorgos compressor station also contributes to green and low-carbon development. It houses China’s first electricity generation project powered by waste heat from natural gas-fired compressors. This innovation has enabled the station to achieve zero direct emissions for large gas transmission stations powered by gas compressors, with annual power generation exceeding 65 million kilowatt-hours. From the first compressor station, natural gas travels 1,833 kilometers eastward over 84 hours, passing through central Uzbekistan and southern Kazakhstan before entering China at the Khorgos border checkpoint. The gas then feeds into the second and third lines of the West-East Gas Pipeline. With a design capacity of 60 billion cubic meters per year, the pipeline has been operational since December 2009. The pipeline supplies natural gas to more than 500 million people across 27 provincial-level regions and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Gasprom Natural gas Export of Natural Gas Oil & Gas Russia

Russia’s Zakharova: Gas Deliveries to Uzbekistan Surpass Five Billion Cubic Meters

According to Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Russian gas supplies to Uzbekistan, which started in October 2023, have now surpassed five billion cubic meters. She noted that in 2023, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan initiated a two-year agreement to deliver Russian gas through Kazakhstan via a contract between Gazprom and UzGasTrade. “As of today, the volume of gas supplies has exceeded five billion cubic meters. Russian companies Gazprom and LUKOIL are advancing multiple projects to develop gas fields within Uzbekistan. The parties are set on gradually expanding their cooperation in the gas sector. There are, in fact, no bilateral issues that might slow down this energy partnership,” Zakharova shared at a recent briefing. She added that “all matters are being addressed constructively, with energy discussions being a regular part of high-level and interdepartmental negotiations.” This year, key meetings featured talks on energy cooperation, including Russian President Vladimir Putin’s state visit from May 26-28 and Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin’s visit on September 9-10. “Energy collaboration is a core component of our bilateral relationship, with our foreign policy departments maintaining close contact and offering the needed political and diplomatic support to keep this cooperation moving forward,” Zakharova highlighted.

Oil & Gas Export/Import Gasprom Natural gas negotiations Export of Natural Gas

Turkmengaz Ends Gas Supply Contract with Gazprom Over Pricing Dispute

Turkmenistan's national gas company, Turkmengaz, has not extended its gas supply contract with Gazprom because the parties could not agree on a new fuel price. Turkmengaz Chairman Maksat Babayev explained: "On June 30, as outlined in the contract, we were set to review prices. If both sides agreed on the price, we could extend the contract. However, after negotiations, we couldn’t agree on the commercial terms. So, as per the contract, without an agreement, the contract was to end on June 30, which is what we proceeded with.” He shared this at a press conference following the “Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan – 2024” (OGT 2024) event. Babayev added that for Turkmengaz, the critical factor in starting, resuming, or ending supplies is the commercial aspect. “Contracts for purchase and sale are considered based on mutual benefit,” he explained. “Currently, demand from the north, west, and east is growing, and we are constantly in talks with various buyers and countries, so resuming supplies to Russia is certainly possible.” In 2019, Gazprom signed a five-year contract with Turkmengaz to buy natural gas through June 30, 2024. The agreement covers an annual supply volume of 5.5 billion cubic meters. Previously, Gazprom's head, Alexey Miller, announced that the company doubled the volume of gas supplies to Central Asia from January to August 2024. According to Miller, the republics' rapid economic and social development has opened meaningful new opportunities for Gazprom, which is currently at the highest possible level of gas supply to Uzbekistan.