Turkey has agreed to a one-year extension of key pipeline gas import contracts with Russia’s Gazprom while simultaneously ramping up efforts to secure long-term liquefied natural gas deals, particularly from the United States.

Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar announced the short-term extension on Wednesday, Dec. 3, at a news conference in Ankara, saying state gas importer and distributor Botas had successfully negotiated the renewal of two long-term agreements. 

The contracts, set to expire at the end of 2025, cover approximately 22 billion cubic meters of gas annually. This accounted for about 40% of Turkey's total gas consumption in 2024, according to Reuters’ report.

Bayraktar emphasized the focus on a short-term, one-year extension with Gazprom as Turkish authorities pivot toward diversifying their supply.

The push for diversification comes as Ankara pursues its ambition to become a regional energy hub with multiple import and export options, including new liquified natural gas (LNG) terminals and transit pipelines. 

Currently, Ankara is actively negotiating new LNG supply contracts with international players, including US supermajors Chevron and ExxonMobil, with deals anticipated to be announced early next year.

Bayraktar noted that Turkey plans to invest in gas production facilities in the U.S. to support its intention to import up to 1,500 LNG cargoes over a 15-year period, since increasing LNG imports is an easier option when it comes to contracting than pipeline gas. 

LNG accounted for 44% of total gas imports in the first quarter of this year, up from 31% in the same period in 2024, according to Argus.

The minister also confirmed plans to extend a separate 10 Bcm pipeline gas import contract with Iran, which expires in July 2026. This includes a goal to increase volumes of Turkmen gas imported via Iran under a swap arrangement signed earlier this year.

Turkey is further boosting its LNG import capacity with plans to add two floating regasification and storage units, aiming to enhance its flexibility and negotiating position with major gas suppliers.