Turkmenistan, China launch expansion of giant gas field

email: online@newsofbahrain.com 

Ashgabat: Turkmengaz and China National Petroleum Corporation have signed an agreement to develop the fourth phase of Galkynysh Gas Field, one of the world’s largest natural gas reserves.

The project will increase gas processing capacity by an additional 10 billion cubic metres annually, with CNPC set to build a new processing facility in eastern Turkmenistan’s desert region and drill new production wells.

Turkmen officials said the project would be fully financed by Turkmenistan.

Maksat Babaev said the development is expected to cost $5.1 billion and will support both domestic supply and export markets.

Galkynysh currently provides a significant share of Turkmenistan’s natural gas exports to China, which remains the main buyer of Turkmen gas.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang said China was willing to strengthen high-quality energy cooperation with Turkmenistan.

According to Chinese state media, Ding called for a strategic and long-term approach to gas ties, including expanding cooperation while improving quality and efficiency.

Both countries are also discussing the delayed fourth branch of the Central Asia-China gas pipeline, known as Line D.

Turkmenistan, a gas-rich former Soviet republic bordering Iran and Afghanistan, holds the world’s fourth-largest proven natural gas reserves.

The country is also pursuing export diversification through proposed pipeline projects to Pakistan, India and Europe via the Caspian region.