ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, October 24. A press
conference was held in Ashgabat to summarize the results of the
31st International Conference and Exhibition “Oil and Gas of
Turkmenistan” (OGT 2026), attended by Maksat Babayev, Minister of
State and Chairman of the State Concern “Turkmengaz,” Trend's special correspondent
reports.


The meeting with journalists covered plans for hydrocarbon
production, natural gas exports, the development of energy
infrastructure, and prospects for international cooperation.


In addition, it was noted that Turkmenistan plans to produce
approximately 80 billion cubic meters of natural gas in 2026. Gas
production is expected to remain at approximately 80 billion cubic
meters in 2027. About 40 billion cubic meters of gas are supplied
to China and Uzbekistan.


The oil production plan for 2026 calls for an increase to 8
million metric tons, up from the 7.5 million metric tons produced
last year.


Among the topics discussed were the prospects for Turkmen gas
supplies to Afghanistan via the
Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India (TAPI) gas pipeline.
Construction of the Serhetabat–Herat section section is expected to
be completed by the end of 2026, with gas deliveries set to begin
by mid-2027. The timeline will depend, among other factors, on the
readiness of the Afghan side.


In addition, it was emphasized that Turkmenistan also remains
interested in the Trans-Caspian gas supply route. Its development
is linked to a broader range of infrastructure projects in the
Caspian region, including transportation and logistics facilities.
The continued development of the Galkynysh field could serve as an
additional factor in increasing export volumes.







Gas from the fourth phase of the Galkynysh development is
planned to be directed both for export and for the domestic
market.


Special attention was given to the project to build underground
gas storage facilities. Seven companies, including those from
Austria, Germany, and Turkey, submitted bids to participate in the
project. The review of proposals is nearing completion, after which
a company will be selected to develop the basic engineering
design.


Commenting on international participation in OGT 2026, the
Turkmen side noted a 40% increase in the number of delegates
compared to the previous year.


They noted that approximately 700 foreign delegates from 75
countries participated in this year’s forum.