Turkey is ready to deliver up to 10 billion cubic meters to Europe annually via the Trans-Balkan gas pipeline, if European countries show the relevant political will, announced the head of the Republic's Ministry of Energy Alparslan Bayraktar in connection with the termination of the transit of Russian gas to Europe via the territory of Ukraine from January 1.
„Turkey is ready to make its contribution to ensuring European energy security. If Europe shows political will and commitment and invests in interconnectors, we will be able to export up to 10 billion cubic meters of gas annually to Central and Eastern Europe via the Trans-Balkan gas pipeline“, said the minister, quoted by the television channelTRT Haber.
The agreement on the transit of Russian gas through Ukrainian territory expired on January 1. It envisaged pumping 40 billion cubic meters of gas per year. Ukraine refused to extend the contract.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said there would be no new contract for the transit of Russian gas through Ukraine, as the agreement could not be renegotiated a few days before the New Year. Kiev also announced its intention to stop the transportation of Russian gas.