The 31st International Conference and Exhibition “Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan – 2026” (OGT 2026) opens in Ashgabat on 21 October. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov has sent a message of congratulations to the participants, highlighting the importance of diversifying energy exports, expanding pipeline infrastructure and strengthening the country’s logistics capacity.
In his message, the President said the annual forum would provide an opportunity to discuss key priorities for developing Turkmenistan’s fuel and energy sector, ways to expand mutually beneficial partnerships, and modern approaches to upgrading the oil and gas industry. The conference and accompanying exhibition also offer a chance to explore innovations, advanced technologies and new projects.
Berdimuhamedov noted that Turkmenistan, with its vast hydrocarbon resources, uses its natural wealth not only to serve national interests but also to promote the well-being of people across the region and the wider world. In this context, diversifying energy export routes, building an extensive pipeline network and strengthening logistics capacity remain key priorities of the country’s energy policy.
A major focus remains the development of the Galkynysh gas field, which, according to the message, ranks among the world’s largest in terms of natural gas reserves and serves as the main resource base for expanding supplies to international markets.
The fourth phase of the field’s industrial development was launched in April 2026. The President described the launch as an event of historic significance, calling the large-scale project an important step towards the country’s further development and a substantial increase in natural gas exports.
Among the key gas export projects, Berdimuhamedov highlighted the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India (TAPI) pipeline. The project aims to strengthen energy security and support the well-being and prosperity of neighbouring countries and the wider region.
The President also highlighted progress on the Serhetabat–Herat section of the pipeline, known as Arkadagyň ak ýoly (“Arkadag’s Bright Path”). Work on this section of TAPI is now at an advanced stage, with completion targeted for this year.
Turkmenistan is also continuing to develop offshore blocks in its sector of the Caspian Sea. According to the president, the country has maintained mutually beneficial cooperation with leading international oil and gas companies in this area for 30 years and intends to pursue further projects.
The message also highlighted efforts to discover new oil and gas condensate fields, increase recoverable reserves, improve the efficiency of geological exploration and develop hydrocarbon-bearing formations. Turkmenistan is working with foreign companies to advance these efforts.
Berdimuhamedov said the country would continue to create opportunities for all interested parties committed to equal and mutually beneficial partnerships. Foreign investors, he added, would be offered favorable conditions to invest in major projects with strong potential. He expressed confidence that the 31st conference and exhibition would play an important role in facilitating the exchange of expertise between Turkmen specialists and international partners, while helping establish and expand cooperation in the years ahead. ///nCa, 21 October 2026