BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 10. Türkiye’s plans to sign a larger and longer-term LNG agreement with Algeria reflect Ankara’s broader ambitions to strengthen energy security and expand its role as a regional energy hub, TurkicWorld reports.
According to Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar, the new deal could increase Türkiye’s annual LNG imports from Algeria from 4.4 billion cubic meters (bcm) to up to 6.5 bcm and extend cooperation for another five to ten years after the current contract expires in 2027.
Algeria remains one of Türkiye’s key energy partners and an important gas supplier for the Mediterranean region. For Ankara, expanding LNG imports helps diversify energy sources, support growing domestic demand, and reduce vulnerability to global market volatility.
The negotiations also carry geopolitical significance. Türkiye is increasingly positioning itself as an energy transit center connecting suppliers with European markets. Bayraktar indicated that Algerian LNG could be regasified at Turkish terminals and re-exported to Southeastern Europe, particularly through Bulgaria.
Beyond LNG trade, the two countries are discussing broader energy cooperation, including joint oil and gas exploration projects between Türkiye’s TPAO and Algeria’s Sonatrach. Turkish drilling and seismic vessels could potentially participate in exploration activities in Algerian waters.
The talks come amid Europe’s continuing search for alternative gas supplies and growing competition for reliable energy partnerships. While many European countries remain cautious about long-term gas contracts due to climate policies, Türkiye appears ready to offer Algeria more stable and extended commitments.
The planned agreement highlights the growing strategic dimension of Türkiye–Algeria relations, where energy cooperation is becoming a key pillar of broader economic and geopolitical ties.
