He said that governments and companies in the east and south of Europe have expressed interest in buying gas from Azerbaijan.
Shahbazov said:
- Gas prices have skyrocketed this year as limited flows from Russia have exacerbated supply problems, and Europe is entering winter with the lowest inventory levels in at least a decade
- We keep in touch with existing and potential buyers
- The likelihood of concluding new sales contracts in the future is quite high
The minister added:
- This connects the Caspian Sea region with Italy, and at the same time, the country also sells gas to neighboring Georgia and Turkey
It is noted that these gas exports are based on contracts signed in 2013.
Shahbazov added that Azerbaijan needs new sales agreements before investing in an increase of production.
New opportunities for gas supplies will be discussed early next year at the annual meeting of the Advisory Council of the Southern Gas Corridor, a platform that brings together companies and governments from about 20 countries.
In addition, he said that potential development projects include, among other things, the Shafag-Asiman field.
The minister concluded:
- Depending on European demand, Azerbaijan may also support the Trans-Caspian pipeline to export Turkmen gas to the west
- This requires new contracts between buyers and sellers