Türkiye and Azerbaijan Target 1 Million Bpd on BTC Pipeline

Türkiye and Azerbaijan are in active discussions to increase the utilization of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline to one million barrels per day. The goal is to bring existing energy infrastructure to full operational capacity, a move that signals a strategic shift toward maximizing current assets rather than immediately expanding new physical infrastructure.

Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar outlined these plans during a briefing at the fifth Azerbaijan-Türkiye Energy Forum. The discussion centers on optimizing the flow through the BTC line and exploring interconnectivity projects that link the Turkic world, particularly within the electricity sector. This represents a broadening of the bilateral energy relationship beyond traditional hydrocarbon exports.

Pipeline Capacity Optimization Strategy

The primary focus of the current negotiations is the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline, which currently operates below its maximum technical capacity. By targeting one million barrels per day, both nations aim to improve the economic efficiency of the route. This increase in throughput would leverage the existing steel infrastructure, reducing the per-unit cost of transport and enhancing the reliability of supply chains for regional and international markets.

Expansion into Electricity Interconnectivity

Beyond oil logistics, the two countries are prioritizing the development of electricity sector interconnectivity. Bayraktar identified this as a top priority, noting that cooperation is shifting from a sole focus on oil and gas to include power grids. These projects are designed to create a more resilient and integrated energy network across the region, facilitating the trade of electricity and supporting renewable energy integration.

Joint Exploration and Production Initiatives

State oil companies SOCAR and Turkish Petroleum are also advancing joint exploration and production projects. Initial efforts have focused on the Shafag-Asiman field, with discussions now extending to potential initiatives in the Karabakh region and third countries. These collaborations aim to unlock new hydrocarbon reserves and share technical expertise, creating concrete projects that diversify the energy output of both national champions.