Azerbaijan Tells Gas Exporters Forum It Supplies Gas to 16 Countries

Azerbaijan has exported 131 billion cubic metres of gas to Türkiye, more than 66 billion to Europe and over 37 billion to Georgia, Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov told the summit of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) in Moscow, the Ministry of Energy said on 27 October.

According to the ministry's account of the speech, Shahbazov said Azerbaijan has been exporting gas for nearly two decades and, in the almost six years since entering the European market, has expanded its supply footprint to Central Europe and the Middle East. Supplying gas to 16 countries, he said, Azerbaijan ranks among the world's leading pipeline gas exporters by geographical reach. The ministry's figures also include 1.7 billion cubic metres exported to Syria.

The minister told the 8th GECF Summit that the growth of the digital economy and demand for uninterrupted electricity are reinforcing the role of natural gas in keeping power systems reliable and flexible. Competitiveness in the global gas market, he said, depends not only on price but also on continuity of supply and the security of supply routes, and he listed timely investment in production and transport infrastructure, long-term contracts, a clear market outlook and access to financing as essential.

The Southern Gas Corridor at the centre

Shahbazov described the Southern Gas Corridor as strategically important for establishing new supply routes, diversifying markets and building long-term partnerships. He said Azerbaijan pursues a policy of balancing energy security with environmental responsibility and that, by developing natural gas and renewable energy in parallel, it is strengthening domestic supply and freeing up additional resources for export. Azerbaijan reaffirmed its commitment to cooperation within the GECF, the ministry said.

The ministry's release also quoted Russian President Vladimir Putin as saying that Azerbaijan is a stable and reliable partner and that an active dialogue is maintained with President Ilham Aliyev on expanding cooperation in areas including energy.

Azerbaijan's place in the forum

Azerbaijan attends the GECF as an observer rather than a full member. Before the summit, Interfax reported that the forum has 12 full members, among them Algeria, Iran, Qatar, Russia and the United Arab Emirates, and eight observers including Azerbaijan, with Turkmenistan and South Africa invited as guests. Members control 70 per cent of the world's proven gas reserves, 38 per cent of its production, 42 per cent of global gas exports and 47 per cent of LNG exports, according to the same report.

The summit marked the forum's twenty-fifth anniversary and adopted the Moscow Declaration, which, according to the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasised the importance of natural gas market stability, investment, technological advancement and international cooperation. The UAE was represented by Minister of State Saeed Al Hajeri.

What it means for the region

The cumulative figures to date set out the scale of the market Azerbaijan has built. Türkiye remains the largest destination, with nearly twice the volume sent to Europe, and Georgia has taken over 37 billion cubic metres. Europe, reached less than six years ago, already accounts for more than 66 billion.

Shahbazov's emphasis on long-term contracts and access to financing comes as new supply is being lined up. CBJ reported this week that XRG, which holds 30 per cent of the Absheron project, said Absheron gas could potentially reach 16 export markets, with full-field start-up expected in 2029. SOCAR, TotalEnergies and XRG have already signed an agreement with BOTAŞ to market Absheron gas.

For traders, pipeline operators and lenders, the points the minister stressed in Moscow, continuity of supply, secure routes, long-term contracts and financing, are also the conditions buyers and lenders will weigh as new supply such as Absheron is marketed.