BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 21. The 31st
International Conference and Exhibition “Oil and Gas of
Turkmenistan - 2026” (OGT 2026) opens in Ashgabat on October 21,
bringing together more than 1,700 delegates from 75 countries and
representatives of around 450 companies. The event will focus on
the development of the oil and gas sector, attracting foreign
investment, diversifying export routes, and strengthening
international energy cooperation.
The forum will run through October 23 at the Chamber of Commerce
and Industry of Turkmenistan under the theme “Energy. Partnership.
Progress.” It is organized by the state concerns Turkmengaz and
Turkmennebit and the state corporation Turkmengeology in
partnership with Turkmen Energy Forum. The State Oil Company of
Azerbaijan (SOCAR) is the event’s general partner, underscoring the
importance of regional cooperation in developing energy resources
and infrastructure.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s strategy: From expanding
hydrocarbon production to technological modernization
OGT 2026 comes as Turkmenistan pursues an energy strategy aimed
at increasing hydrocarbon production, modernizing industrial
facilities, expanding processing capacity, and diversifying export
markets. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov has consistently
identified the development of the oil and gas sector as a key
priority of state policy, emphasizing the adoption of advanced
technologies and the attraction of international partners.
At a meeting of the Halk Maslahaty in 2026, the president
stressed the need to modernize the sector and implement major
projects.
“One of the key tasks is to modernize the operations of the oil
and gas complex based on advanced achievements. Major projects for
the production, processing, and export of hydrocarbons, as well as
the development of new fields, are being implemented on a
programmatic basis,” Berdimuhamedov said.
A central pillar of this strategy is the development of the
Galkynysh gas field, one of the largest in the world. In April
2026, Turkmenistan launched the fourth phase of its development in
cooperation with China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC). The
project includes a gas processing facility with an annual capacity
of 10 billion cubic meters, as well as production wells. Its cost
is estimated at approximately $5.1 billion.
The development of Galkynysh is expected to boost natural gas
production, expand the country’s industrial capacity, and
strengthen its position in international energy markets.
In his address to participants of OGT 2025, the president also
highlighted the international dimension of Turkmenistan’s energy
policy.
“Our independent, neutral Motherland, possessing enormous
hydrocarbon resources, seeks to use its natural resources not only
in its national interests, but also in the interests of other
peoples of the region and the world,” Turkmen president said.
This approach reflects Ashgabat’s ambition to align its domestic
economic priorities with regional energy cooperation, expand export
opportunities, and reinforce the country’s position as a reliable
energy supplier.
Preparations for OGT 2026 have also received the president’s
direct attention. At a Cabinet of Ministers meeting on October 17,
Berdimuhamedov instructed Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of
Ministers Guvanch Agajanov to ensure that the 31st International
Conference and Exhibition was organized to a high standard. The
directive continues the government’s policy of supporting
international industry platforms designed to promote the
development of the oil and gas sector and expand cooperation with
foreign partners.
What to Expect from OGT 2026
The business program will focus on further development of
Galkynysh, the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas
pipeline project, and the expansion of offshore activities in the
Caspian Sea.
Participants will discuss the prospects for subsequent phases of
Galkynysh development, progress on the Afghan section of TAPI, and
opportunities for international companies to participate in the
development of Caspian fields. Particular attention will also be
paid to gas processing, petrochemicals, hydrocarbon monetization,
and energy infrastructure development.
Another key area will be the adoption of advanced technologies.
The agenda includes digitalization, artificial intelligence,
methane emissions reduction, low-carbon technologies, and renewable
energy. These topics reflect the sector’s efforts to improve
operational efficiency and adapt to the changing requirements of
global energy markets.
The international exhibition will open on October 21, showcasing
the capabilities of oil and gas companies, engineering firms, and
technology providers. For the first time, the event will feature a
national pavilion from Malaysia, bringing together more than 20
companies. The forum will also mark 30 years of PETRONAS operations
in Turkmenistan and 20 years of cooperation between Turkmenistan
and CNPC.
Participants include SOCAR, Dragon Oil, XRG, PETRONAS, CNPC,
Eni, SLB, TotalEnergies EP Turkmenistan, and other international
companies. In addition to plenary sessions and industry
discussions, the program will feature business-to-business (B2B)
and business-to-government (B2G) meetings, creating opportunities
for new investment arrangements and joint projects.
Although no major contracts scheduled for signing during the
forum have been announced in advance, OGT 2026 will provide a
platform for discussing promising initiatives and strengthening
business ties.
The conference will give Turkmenistan an opportunity to present
the progress made in implementing its energy strategy, outline
further plans for expanding hydrocarbon production and processing,
and attract potential investors. A key challenge remains turning
the country’s substantial natural resources into a foundation for
long-term economic growth, export diversification, and stronger
regional energy connectivity.
