Natural gas production in Turkey experienced a significant surge last year, increasing by 113% compared to the previous year and reaching 807.3 million cubic meters. This boost is a key part of Turkey’s strategy to lessen energy dependence, close the current account deficit, and manage inflation.
The rise in production is attributed to Turkey’s natural gas discoveries in the Black Sea, which have started to impact overall production levels. As of September 2023, Turkey commenced production and supply of natural gas from these Black Sea discoveries, further bolstering production figures.
The growth in natural gas production is primarily driven by eight companies that hold domestic wholesale licenses for production. These include Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO), Arar Petroleum and Gas Exploration Production Marketing Inc., Park Place Energy Limited, Thrace Basin Natural Gas Corporation Turkey, Petrogas, Atli Machinery Construction Transport Mining Tourism Natural Energy Resources Production Industry and Trade Inc., Marsa Turkey B.V., and Transatlantic Petroleum Crude Oil and Natural Gas Exploration and Production Inc. Among these, TPAO, Thrace Basin Natural Gas Corporation Turkey, and Park Place Energy Limited were the top producers last year.
In recent years, Turkey’s natural gas production has fluctuated, with figures recorded at 473.9 million cubic meters in 2019, 441.3 million cubic meters in 2020, 394.4 million cubic meters in 2021, and 379.8 million cubic meters in 2022.
Regarding regional contributions, provinces with licensed companies offering gas for sale included Zonguldak, which contributed 337.8 million cubic meters of Black Sea gas, followed by Tekirdag with 243.3 million cubic meters, Kirklareli with 108.7 million cubic meters, Düzce with 55.9 million cubic meters, Istanbul with 55.9 million cubic meters, and Hatay with 4,000 cubic meters being the least contributor among the provinces.
The produced natural gas was distributed to various sectors, including industrial and commercial enterprises, distribution companies, import companies, wholesale companies, and companies with licenses for compressed natural gas from wellheads in production regions.
Work at the Sakarya Gas Field, covering around 10,000 square kilometers, currently spans 2,200 square kilometers. Turkey has initiated production in 25% of the total area and continues its operations in the region.