Turkey Diversifies Energy Imports to Reduce Russian Reliance

Turkey is aggressively diversifying its natural gas import portfolio to reduce long-standing dependence on Russian energy supplies. By expanding pipeline agreements with Azerbaijan and scaling up liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure, Ankara is transitioning from a vulnerable consumer to a regional energy transit hub.

The strategy centers on a fifteen-year agreement finalized in May to import 33 billion cubic meters (bcm) of Azerbaijani gas through the mid-2040s. This partnership, involving state-owned BOTAŞ and international energy firms, has increased Azerbaijan's share of Turkey's gas imports to approximately 22 percent. While Russia remains the largest supplier at 41.3 percent, its market share has declined significantly from nearly 64 percent in 2006.

Simultaneously, Turkey has expanded its LNG regasification capacity fivefold since 2016, reaching 161 million cubic meters per day. This infrastructure boom has facilitated a surge in US LNG imports, which rose from 0.52 bcm in 2016 to 9.19 bcm in 2025. New long-term supply contracts with firms including Cheniere Energy and ExxonMobil, scheduled to commence between 2026 and 2027, are expected to further solidify this shift, providing Ankara with greater flexibility and insulation from geopolitical volatility.