'No problem' over Russian winter gas deliveries

ISTANBUL

Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Ali Riza Alaboyun has said Turkey will not face any problem in gas deliveries from Russia this winter.

"I do not expect any problem during winter," Alaboyun said during a Saturday press meeting in Istanbul, citing contractual rights.

Turkey, 60 percent dependent on Russian gas, has a deal with Moscow until 2021, according to ministry officials.

Alaboyun also said that Turkey supports construction of one line of the four-leg Turkish Stream, since Russia will cut the western line after 2019, which brings 14 billion cubic meters gas to Turkey.

"We should support one pipeline coming to Turkey. We may have gas shortages after 2019. This is our main concern," the minister said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, who shelved South Stream project in last December, offered to build a new pipeline through Turkey and Greece to carry natural gas to Europe.

"I do not think the EU will allow Greece to sign an intergovernmental agreement with Russia," Alaboyun said, referring to the political hurdles between Europe and Russia.

ISTANBUL

Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Ali Riza Alaboyun has said Turkey will not face any problem in gas deliveries from Russia this winter.

"I do not expect any problem during winter," Alaboyun said during a Saturday press meeting in Istanbul, citing contractual rights.

Turkey, 60 percent dependent on Russian gas, has a deal with Moscow until 2021, according to ministry officials.

Alaboyun also said that Turkey supports construction of one line of the four-leg Turkish Stream, since Russia will cut the western line after 2019, which brings 14 billion cubic meters gas to Turkey.

"We should support one pipeline coming to Turkey. We may have gas shortages after 2019. This is our main concern," the minister said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, who shelved South Stream project in last December, offered to build a new pipeline through Turkey and Greece to carry natural gas to Europe.

"I do not think the EU will allow Greece to sign an intergovernmental agreement with Russia," Alaboyun said, referring to the political hurdles between Europe and Russia.