Boosting Azerbaijani gas exports to Europe possible if there are long-term contracts - energy minister

BAKU. June 5 (Interfax) - Azerbaijani Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov has acknowledged the presence of certain difficulties in talks on increasing Azerbaijani gas shipments to Europe.

Increasing gas exports to Europe requires long-term contracts and strong support, Shahbazov said at a panel discussion during a Baku energy forum on Wednesday. Such negotiations are currently not going as smoothly as expected, he said.

Azerbaijan and the European Union are currently working in the green energy sector, including steps to arrange green energy supplies to European consumers, Shahbazov said, expressing confidence that these talks will be successful.

As reported earlier, Azerbaijani gas exports increased 5.3% to 23.8 bcm in 2023. Gas shipments to Europe rose 3.5% to 11.8 bcm. Gas exports are projected at 24.3 bcm in 2024, with gas exports to the European market topping 12 bcm.

Azerbaijan and the EU have an agreement on raising gas shipments to Europe to 20 bcm in 2027.