The international conference Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan – 2026 (OGT 2026) is taking place in Ashgabat. Speaking at the opening plenary session, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Guvanch Agajanov outlined the main achievements and strategic priorities of the country’s fuel and energy sector.
Developing the Giant Galkynysh Gas Field
The phased development of the supergiant Galkynysh gas field remains a key priority of Turkmenistan’s energy policy. In April 2026, the official launch of the large-scale fourth phase of the project was marked by a ceremony attended by Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, National Leader of the Turkmen People and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan.
The project is being financed by the state and is now actively progressing with the involvement of China’s CNPC.
The Strategic TAPI Pipeline Project
The transnational Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India (TAPI) gas pipeline remains a major focus. As the Deputy Prime Minister noted, the key section running from Serhetabat in Turkmenistan to Afghanistan’s Herat Province is nearing completion. Despite challenging mountainous terrain, construction along this section is progressing successfully under the State Concern Turkmengas.
Strengthening Ties with Malaysia and New Offshore Agreements
A significant development this year has been the expansion of cooperation with Malaysia. In June 2026, during a high-level visit, Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim signed a new production sharing agreement (PSA) for offshore blocks 19–20. Malaysia’s Petronas has already begun practical work on the project.
Cooperation with other Malaysian energy-sector organisations is also expanding. A memorandum of understanding with the Malaysian side is expected to be signed on the sidelines of OGT 2026.
Milestone Anniversaries and International Cooperation
The Deputy Prime Minister also highlighted several important anniversaries of strategic partnerships being marked in 2025–2026. These include 25 years of Dragon Oil’s successful operations in the region, 20 years of strategic cooperation between Turkmenistan and China, and 30 years of partnership between Turkmenistan and Malaysia.
During his remarks, Agajanov expressed appreciation to international partners, investors and leading global energy companies for their mutually beneficial cooperation. He emphasised that Turkmenistan remains open to major new initiatives and is ready to further expand multilateral dialogue in the energy sector. ///nCa, 21 October 2026