Turkey initiates initial gas shipments from Azerbaijan to Syria, marking the commencement of energy transfer operations.
In a significant development, Turkey has initiated the first shipments of natural gas from Azerbaijan to Syria. This pipeline, inaugurated in August 2025, delivers natural gas through the Turkish border city of Kilis to Syrian power plants, particularly in Aleppo and Homs, offering a much-needed boost to Syria's energy security and helping to alleviate chronic power shortages.
The initiative, aimed at bolstering Syria's energy security, comes after agreements reached between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Syrian Transitional President Ahmed Al-Sharaa on April 11 in Antalya and July 12 in Baku. The gas exports from Azerbaijan to Syria were initiated in a short period of time, with Syria currently receiving 3.4 million cubic metres of gas daily.
The supply of Azerbaijani natural gas to Syria is expected to increase energy production by 750 megawatts, enabling Syria to extend daily power availability from 3-4 hours to about 10 hours. This will significantly improve the living conditions of millions of Syrians, many of whom have been affected by the country's decade-long civil war.
The new natural gas route is a strategic step to rebuild and stabilize Syria’s energy sector, which has been heavily damaged during the conflict. Turkey, acting as a regional energy hub and a key partner in this project, leverages its geographic proximity and technical expertise to facilitate the project.
The pipeline initially transports around 3.4 million cubic meters of gas daily, with potential annual export capacity up to 2 billion cubic meters, which can power approximately 5 million Syrian homes. Electricity exports from Turkey to Syria are also set to increase by 25%, and potentially more than double, with additional infrastructure improvements.
Ankara, Turkey, has positioned itself as one of the current Syrian government's main foreign allies and is now playing a crucial role in Syria's reconstruction. The regional gas transmission line linking Syria to Azerbaijan, passing through Turkish territory, is a strategic step towards enhancing energy security in Syria.
Notably, Qatar will finance part of the project, and the gas that will be exported to Syria will come from Azerbaijan. The ceremony to mark the start of the gas flow was attended by Azerbaijan's Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov, Turkey's Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar, and official representatives from Qatar.
Prior to Hayat Tahrir Al Sham taking power in December, Syria used to receive the bulk of its oil for power generation from Iran. However, with this new development, Syria is moving towards a more diverse and secure energy supply.
Syrian Energy Minister Mohammad Al Bashir made this statement to Syria's state news agency Sana, expressing gratitude for the support from Azerbaijan and Turkey. Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar also stated that up to 2 billion cubic meters of natural gas can be exported annually to Syria, generating electricity to power five million households.
This energy cooperation not only strengthens Syria’s energy security but also plays a vital role in its post-war reconstruction and socio-economic recovery. It represents a significant step towards regional stabilization efforts and supports the return of displaced Syrians by improving living conditions through enhanced energy access.
[1] Azertac, Azerbaijan's state news agency, reported this information on Saturday. [2] [3] [4] Various news sources.
- The gas exports from Azerbaijan to Syria, financed partially by Qatar, will offer a diverse and secure energy supply for Syria, moving it away from reliance on Iran.
- Turkey, acting as a regional energy hub, has leveraged its geographic and technical expertise to facilitate the transmission of Azerbaijani natural gas to Syria.
- The increased energy production of 750 megawatts from Azerbaijani gas, delivered via a pipeline passing through Turkish territory, will extend daily power availability in Syria from 3-4 hours to about 10 hours.
- In a development that will significantly boost Syria's economy and living conditions, electric power exports from Turkey to Syria are expected to increase by 25% and potentially more than double with additional infrastructure improvements.
- The regional gas transmission line, connecting Syria to Azerbaijan, can potentially export up to 2 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually, powering approximately 5 million Syrian homes.
- This energy cooperation between Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Qatar plays a crucial role in Syria's post-war reconstruction, providing a key step towards regional stabilization efforts and improving living conditions for millions of Syrians.
