Turkey generates new action plans in case of gas cut

BOTAŞ, the state-owned Turkish Pipeline Corporation (BOTAŞ), is planning to institute precautionary measures in order to guarantee energy supply during the winter months in case Russian gas flowing through Ukraine is cut off. According to the information an Anadolu Agency reporter obtained from BOTAŞ authorities, Turkey can consume up to 50 million cubic meters of natural gas per day from the Batı natural gas pipeline that carries Russian natural gas through Ukraine. Around 14 billion cubic meters of natural gas are being used by 10 private companies and four by BOTAŞ from the Batı Pipeline. Turkey's consumption may reach up to 240 million cubic meters per day of natural gas during winter months.

Pipeline is one of the major pipelines in the country, feeding the Thracian and western Anatolia regions, which together consume about three quarters of the natural gas in the whole of Turkey. Since the natural gas fed through this line is not adequate to cover the requirements of the region, natural gas is also being delivered to the west from pipelines in the east through compressor stations.

Authorities underline that the natural gas that can be carried from the eastern pipelines is not enough to cover the need that will arise if the gas from the Batı Pipeline is cut off, noting that in the short-term, the only solution for Turkey is to use liquidated natural gas (LNG). If the natural gas delivered through Ukraine is cut off, Turkey can increase its LNG imports but this would be a shortterm solution and an expensive one. Authorities also state that there are other alternatives to increase the natural gas amounts obtained from Russia (through Blue Stream Pipeline) and Azerbaijan. Turkey is currently discussing purchasing an additional 3 billion cubic meters of natural gas over the Blue Current Pipeline from Russia and the discussions are expected to be concluded at the earliest in 2015.