Turkey expects "natural gas gesture" from Iran, Russia

The Turkish energy minister said on Tuesday that Turkey expected gesture from Russia and Iran regarding natural gas.

Turkey's Energy and Natural Resources Minister Taner Yildiz said Turkey was expecting two-three-year gesture from Russia and Iran regarding natural gas.

Yildiz's remarks came after a reporter said natural gas consumption in Turkey was seriously down in 2009 and Turkish Petroleum Pipeline Corporation (BOTAS) would have to pay to Russia and Iran for the natural gas that had not been used.

"During my visit to Iran, I presented an offer to 'purchase or pay'. They will respond to us in three weeks," he said.

Yildiz said Turkey was also negotiating the same issue with Russia.

Minister Yildiz also said that transporting Azerbaijani natural gas to Europe via Turkey was the most appropriate route.

Turkey has signed natural gas sale and purchase agreements with the Russian Federation, Algeria, Nigeria, Iran, Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan.

Turkey imported natural gas around 28.7 billion cubic meters in the first ten months of 2009.

The country's natural gas production became 580.4 million cubic meters between January and October 2009.

Turkey consumed 37.7 billion cubic meters of natural gas in 2008.

/World Bulletin/