Türkiye is not experiencing any disruption in its natural gas supply from Iran amid concerns that escalating tensions between Iran and Israel could impact regional energy flows, Türkiye's Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar, said on Tuesday.
Speaking to reporters after a cabinet meeting in the Turkish capital Ankara, Bayraktar stated: "We do import gas from Iran, but not oil. And we do not foresee any issues with gas supply."
Commenting on the recent increase in oil prices, he added: "There could be some negative impact on global oil supply. We have already seen prices react, there's been a slight increase. Prices could go higher, but we do not see any supply-side problems."
Noting that Türkiye has not imported any crude oil from Iran since 2019, he said: "The supply of crude oil from Basra, which crosses Hormuz to Türkiye, accounted for about 20% according to last year's figures. We need to find a way to replace this supply."
Bayraktar emphasized that about 8% of Türkiye's oil needs are currently met through domestic production in the Gabar region of the southeastern Sirnak province.
He noted that while disruptions can be substituted through alternative sources, any increase in prices could significantly impact the country's import bill.
"Brent oil prices have already risen from around $60 to $76 per barrel. This could also reflect on natural gas prices," Bayraktar said, adding that broader macroeconomic effects could follow.
By Basak Erkalan
Anadolu Agency