20 Jan 2023 09:24

Russia might be interested in participating in TAPI gas pipeline - Energy Minister

ISLAMABAD. Jan 20 (Interfax) - Russia might be interested in participating in the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project, Russian Energy Minister Nikolai Shulginov said in an interview with television channel PTV World.

"We are not in this project at the moment, but we do not rule out the possibility of Russia participating in this project. Various issues need to be resolved, of course, including issues concerning the security of it [passing] through Afghanistan. But I don't see particular difficulties here, because this matter is being discussed and we equally understand that such security can be ensured," Shulginov said.

He also commented on the progress of talks on the Pakistan Stream project. "We are already ready to sign the necessary corporate documents. However, we have run into unexpected obstacles in terms of looking for gas sources," Shulginov said.

The TAPI project calls for building a gas pipeline with capacity to carry 33 billion cubic meters per year from the Galkynysh field in Turkmenistan, through the cities of Herat and Kandahar in Afghanistan and Quetta and Multan in Pakistan, to Fazilka in western India. The pipeline would stretch more than 1,800 km, including 207 in Turkmenistan, 774 km in Afghanistan and 826 km in Pakistan to the border with India.

The company developing the project, TAPI Pipeline Company Limited is 85% owned by state company Turkmengaz. Stakes of 5% in the consortium are held by Afghanistan, Pakistan's Inter State Gas Systems (Private) Limited and India's GAIL.