Pakistan and Turkmenistan agree to fast-track gas pipeline project involving Afghanistan and India
Published by Isabel Stagg,
Editorial Assistant
World Pipelines,
Pakistan and Turkmenistan agreed on Wednesday 24 July, 2024, to fast-track a major pipeline project that will allow the Central Asian state to supply natural gas to Pakistan and India via Afghanistan, thereby enhancing economic activity across the region and benefiting all involved countries.
The understanding between the two states was reached during a meeting between Federal Minister for Petroleum Dr. Musadik Malik and Turkmenistan’s Foreign Affairs Rasit Meredow who arrived on a two-day visit to Islamabad on Tuesday (23 July, 2024).
The Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) pipeline will originate from Galkynysh, the world’s second-biggest gas field, and end at the Indian city of Fazilka near the Pakistan border.
If the project is implemented, it will help Turkmenistan supply about 33 billion m3 of natural gas each year along a route covering a distance of over 1800 km.
According to an official statement released by the Ministry of Energy’s Petroleum Division, Pakistan and Turkmenistan are working to “expedite” the pipeline project.
“TAPI pipeline project will lower energy costs, which can boost industrial growth, create jobs and foster economic development,” it quoted Pakistan’s Petroleum Minister as saying during the meeting. “Reliable and affordable energy supplies are vital for industrial sectors and overall economic stability.”
“This project, aimed at fostering economic integration and energy security, has witnessed substantial progress through collaborative efforts,” he continued, stressing the importance of continued engagement between the two countries.
Malik added Pakistan was fully committed to the project which was vital for regional energy cooperation and infrastructure development.
The visiting dignitary expressed appreciation for the warm welcome extended to his delegation by the Pakistani authorities.
“Together we will chalk out a roadmap for cooperation between both countries,” he added.
The meeting was also attended by the CEO of TAPI Pipeline Company Limited.
Other participants of the meeting emphasised the project’s strategic importance in enhancing regional connectivity, promoting economic growth and meeting the energy demands of participating nations.
The TAPI project was envisaged in the early 1990s and officially agreed upon in December 2010. It has primarily been delayed due to security concerns, geopolitical tensions, funding challenges and bureaucratic hurdles.
Read the latest issue of World Pipelines magazine for pipeline news, project stories, industry insight and technical articles.
World Pipelines’ July 2024 issue
The July 2024 issue of World Pipelines includes articles on coatings, flow assurance, emissions reduction, pigging, and safety and risk management. We also publish our annual HDD Q&A, with participation from Vermeer, TRACTO Technik, and Ditch Witch.
Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/project-news/26072024/pakistan-and-turkmenistan-agree-to-fast-track-gas-pipeline-project-involving-afghanistan-and-india/
You might also like
World Pipelines Podcast: Going global with IPLOCA
In this episode, Elizabeth Corner speaks to Georges Hage, Executive Secretary at IPLOCA, about IPLOCA's insights on the culture and characteristics of the pipeline contractor community, and how it works to support sustainable energy infrastructure.
Fox Innovation & Technologies (FOX) acquires Sirio Solutions Engineering (SSE) S.p.A.
SSE will add complementary services and international exposure to the FOX footprint.
