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Türkiye is planning new oil and gas exploration projects in Bulgaria, Libya, and Iraq as part of its broader efforts to reduce dependency on energy imports, Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar announced during an event in Giresun.
State-run Türkiye Petrolleri AO (TPAO) is expected to sign an agreement next month with a foreign partner to explore Bulgaria's section of the Black Sea.
According to Bayraktar, this comes in parallel with Bulgaria’s own efforts, including a recent deal with a Shell PLC unit to conduct energy exploration in the area.
Beyond Bulgaria, TPAO is actively looking at opportunities in Libya, Iraq, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, and Somalia. Libya, which launched its first exploration tender in over 17 years in March, held a roadshow in Istanbul to present its offer to potential investors.
Bayraktar noted that the company is also operating in northern and southern Iraq, and it has recently signed offshore and onshore agreements in Somalia. TPAO aims to conclude seismic surveys off Somalia's coast by late May, with a drilling decision expected by the end of the year.
"Türkiye will be much more active in oil and gas exploration abroad," Bayraktar said, emphasizing regions where Türkiye already has assets or operational capacity.
A significant deal is in the pipeline for exploration in Bulgaria's economic zone of the Black Sea.
Bayraktar stated that TPAO would partner with a foreign company to explore a designated block in the area. A separate agreement has already been reached with Hungary's MOL Group for exploration both within Hungary and internationally.
Türkiye is also expanding cooperation with Turkmenistan, having started importing natural gas from the country on March 1.
Bayraktar confirmed that discussions are ongoing to explore Turkmenistan's oil and gas fields further.
At home, Türkiye continues to expand its energy production. Bayraktar reported that oil output in the Gabar region has reached 80,000 barrels per day, and domestic production now exceeds 130,000 barrels daily.
The Sakarya Gas Field's first phase has been completed, delivering 9.5 million cubic meters of gas per day. Phase two is currently under development.
He also referenced a new partnership formed in the U.S. for unconventional oil and gas production in Diyarbakir, with drilling expected to begin in 2025.
Bayraktar underlined Türkiye's goal of lowering its energy import bill through increased domestic output and diversification of suppliers. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) trade, he said, could be expanded with additional countries to secure more affordable energy.
"Türkiye is engaged in activities that will reduce its oil and gas imports and boost domestic production," Bayraktar stated.
"We are also working on securing cheaper energy sources through different countries and expanding LNG cooperation."
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