Putin: first stage of Turkish gas hub is creation of trading platform, but there is idea on expansion of deliveries

MOSCOW. Oct 11 (Interfax) - The creation of an electronic gas trading platform is a priority stage in the implementation of the Turkish gas hub project, but Russia has ideas to expand pipeline gas supplies to Turkey, President Vladimir Putin said during the plenary session of Russian Energy Week.

"First of all, we are talking about creating an electronic platform for gas trading to the European continent. Everyone is interested in this: both our Turkish friends and us, but also everyone who wants to buy our resources on the European continent," Putin said.

He emphasized that there are such countries, recalling that Russia continues to supply gas to Europe through Turkey via the Turkish Stream and Blue Stream pipelines.

"[The gas pipelines] are working efficiently, fully filled. In principle, we have ideas to expand these opportunities. But I repeat: the first stage is the creation of an electronic trading platform. We do not see any big problems in its creation: Turkey is interested, we are also interested," the Russian president said, noting that Azerbaijan is also interested in the project.

Putin also expressed hope that as the Turkish gas hub is implemented, other producers will join the project.