Today, 23 October 2026, the three-day international conference and exhibition “Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan 2026” (OGT 2026) concluded in Ashgabat. At the final press conference, industry representatives announced gas and oil production plans for 2026-2027, discussed the prospects for gas supplies to Afghanistan and the implementation of the Trans-Caspian route, and described progress on the underground gas storage project in Turkmenistan.
Turkmenistan plans to produce about 80 billion cubic meters of natural gas and 8 million tons of oil in 2026. Gas production is expected to remain at roughly the same level next year.
The country is also preparing for possible gas supplies to Afghanistan via the Serhetabat-Herat section of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) pipeline, and remains interested in the Trans-Caspian gas route.
This was reported by Maksat Babayev, Chairman of the State Concern Turkmengaz, and Vekilmuhammet Ussayev, Deputy Chairman of the State Concern Turkmennebit, at the press conference.
Hydrocarbon production and export plans
According to Babayev, in 2026 and 2027 Turkmenistan expects to produce about 80 billion cubic meters of gas annually. Approximately 40 billion cubic meters is directed to export to China and Uzbekistan.
Oil production in 2026 is forecast at 8 million tons, and the same figure is planned for 2027. Last year the country produced 7.5 million tons of oil, and output is currently growing.
Gas supplies to Afghanistan
Turkmenistan is also preparing for the possible start of gas supplies to Afghanistan via the Serhetabat-Herat section of the TAPI pipeline. The volumes of future supplies are still being finalized.
According to Babayev, construction of this section is planned to be completed by the end of 2026, with the first gas supplies starting by mid-2027. The launch will also depend on the Afghan side’s readiness to receive the gas.
Ashgabat remains interested in the Trans-Caspian route
Turkmenistan remains interested in implementing the Trans-Caspian gas pipeline project and is ready to supply it with natural gas, Babayev said.
According to him, Ashgabat’s interest extends not only to building the pipeline itself but also to developing the Trans-Caspian corridor as a whole, including cable infrastructure, logistics routes and port facilities.
“The negotiation process is ongoing, and the relevant ministries are working on it,” Babayev said.
Speaking about the resource base for this route, Babayev noted that supplying gas to the Trans-Caspian pipeline will require the next phase of development of the Galkynysh field.
Gas produced under the fourth phase of Galkynysh development is planned to go to both export and domestic consumption.
Underground gas storage project nears selection of a contractor
Turkmengaz is also advancing a project to create underground gas storage facilities in the country.
According to Babayev, seven companies, including firms from Austria, Germany and Türkiye, have submitted bids for the project. The review of proposals is at its final stage, and the concern expects to select a winner soon.
The selected company will carry out the basic design of the gas storage facility. Babayev described this project as one of Turkmengaz’s priorities.
Growing international interest in OGT
International interest in the energy forum continues to grow. According to Nazar Atajanov, Director of the Turkmen Energy Forum (TEF), a co-organizer, about 700 foreign delegates took part in OGT 2026, roughly 40% more than a year earlier. In total, 75 countries were represented at the event.///nCa, 23 October 2026