At the OGT 2026 International Conference, the State Minister of Turkmenistan – Chairman of the Türkmengaz State Concern Maksat Babayev presented the key development directions for Turkmenistan’s gas industry.
As noted in his address, the cornerstone of Turkmenistan’s long-term Program of the Oil and Gas Industry Development through 2030 remains the phased development of the Galkynyş field, one of the largest gas fields in the world. According to estimates by the independent auditor Gaffney, Cline & Associates, the resources of this field, together with the Garaköl and Ýaşlar structures, amount to 27.4 trillion cubic meters of gas.
The resource base of the Galkynyş field is intended to ensure stable supplies to both domestic and international markets. The first phase, which became operational in 2013, includes three gas processing plants with a total design capacity of 30 billion cubic meters of marketable gas a year.
A festive ceremony, marking the commencement of the fourth phase of the field’s development, took place in the Mary velayat on April 17 of the current year and was attended by the National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and the First Vice Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China Ding Xuexiang. The China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) is the project partner. Once completed, the project will create more than a thousand jobs.
Gas exports remain a primary focus of the State Concern’s activities. The People’s Republic of China is the largest importer of Turkmen gas. As of October 1, more than 477 billion cubic meters of gas have been supplied via the Turkmenistan–China gas pipeline, which has been in operation since December 2009. “We highly value our long-standing cooperation with our Chinese partners and intend to continue developing it further,” Maksat Babayev noted.
The Head of Türkmengaz emphasized that the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India (TAPI) gas pipeline, with a design capacity of up to 33 billion cubic meters of gas a year, takes a special place among the country’s projects. Currently, the State Concern is constructing the Afghan section, stretching from Serhetabat to Herat, with work proceeding according to the established schedule.
Maksat Babayev highlighted the particular significance of the working visit by the Hero-Arkadag to the Afghan province of Herat on August 10 of the current year. During this visit, a memorandum on gas cooperation covering, among other things, the supply of gas to the province of Herat was signed between the Türkmengaz State Concern and the Afghan state-owned company Afghan Gas.
Regarding export routes to the east, south and west, Turkmenistan adheres to a policy of diversification, as pursued by the national government. “Being a neutral state, we operate in this spirit, remaining a predictable partner that consistently fulfills its obligations,” Maksat Babayev stated.
Another key priority is the technological modernization of the gas industry. To this end, Türkmengaz is interested in expanding cooperation with international technology companies that possess advanced expertise in automation, digital modeling, intelligent field management and the training of qualified specialists.
The Concern places particular emphasis on environmental responsibility and the reduction of methane emissions. It is essential that improvements in environmental performance go hand in hand with strengthened operational reliability and the rational use of natural resources.
Highlighting the value of existing partnerships with energy companies, international organizations and financial institutions, the Head of Türkmengaz emphasized, “Decisions in our industry are made with a multi-decade horizon. Therefore, we prioritize long-term commitments, project financing and partners ready to share responsibility for outcomes. We build our cooperation on clear principles: equal terms for all partners, transparent procedures and strict adherence to contractual obligations. The Concern welcomes proposals regarding gas production, processing, digital technologies and personnel training.”
