First delivers of natural gas from Azerbaijan to Syria are initiated by Turkey

The start of Azerbaijan's natural gas export to Syria via Turkey marks a significant step towards restoring Syria's severely damaged energy infrastructure, alleviating power shortages, and enhancing energy security in the war-torn country.

On Saturday, Turkey began the first shipments of natural gas from Azerbaijan to Syria through the Turkish province of Kilis. This historic move was reported by the Azerbaijan state news agency Azertac. The pipeline, running from Kilis to Aleppo in northern Syria and planned to extend to Homs, started delivering gas in early August 2025.

Syria has been experiencing severe power shortages, with state-supplied electricity available for only a few hours a day in most areas. The export of Azerbaijani gas from Turkey is considered a strategic step in enhancing energy security in Syria, providing up to 6 million cubic meters of gas per day, sufficient to generate electricity for around 5 million households. This increase in power availability is expected to nearly double in affected areas.

The agreements for this gas export were reached between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Syrian Transitional President Ahmed Al-Sharaa during meetings on April 11 in Antalya and July 12 in Baku. The project is supported by financing from Qatar, enabling an annual export capacity of up to 2 billion cubic meters of natural gas to Syria.

The increased energy supply is expected to positively impact the economic reality and living conditions in Syria. In the first phase of the project, Syria will begin receiving 3.4 million cubic metres of gas daily. The Turkish energy minister, Alparslan Bayraktar, stated that the capacity for gas exports to Syria will initially increase by 25%.

The gas pipeline linking Syria to Azerbaijan, passing through Turkish territory, is a significant strategic step in enhancing energy security in Syria. The project aims to bolster Syria's energy security and supports the efforts of the displaced to return to their areas.

Ankara, Turkey, has become one of the current Syrian government's main foreign allies. The ceremony to mark the start of the gas flow was attended by Azerbaijan's Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov, Turkey's Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar, and official representatives from Qatar.

With this initiative, Turkey positions itself as a major player in Syria's reconstruction. The increased electricity supply is expected to enable the restarting of power plants that had been offline, thereby improving basic electricity services crucial for humanitarian relief and stability. The electricity exports to Syria currently flow through eight different points, with capacity set to increase by 25% initially and then more than double.

Syrian Energy Minister Mohammad Al Bashir stated that the project will enable Syria to increase energy production by 750 megawatts. This critical lifeline for Syria’s war-damaged energy grid reduces power outages and enhances energy security in a country struggling with infrastructure destruction and energy deficits for over a decade.

[1] Azertac. (2025, August 1). Azerbaijan starts gas exports to Syria via Turkey. Retrieved August 1, 2025, from https://www.azertac.az/en/news/azerbaijan-starts-gas-exports-to-syria-via-turkey-528423

[2] Anadolu Agency. (2025, August 1). Turkey starts first gas shipments from Azerbaijan to Syria. Retrieved August 1, 2025, from https://www.aa.com.tr/en/energy/turkey-starts-first-gas-shipments-from-azerbaijan-to-syria/2116654

[3] Reuters. (2025, August 1). Azeri gas to flow to Syria via Turkey, boosting energy security. Retrieved August 1, 2025, from https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/azeri-gas-flow-to-syria-via-turkey-boosting-energy-security-2025-08-01/

[4] Al-Monitor. (2025, August 1). Turkey positions itself as a major player in Syria's reconstruction with Azerbaijani gas exports. Retrieved August 1, 2025, from https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2025/08/turkey-syria-azerbaijan-gas-exports-reconstruction.html

[5] Middle East Eye. (2025, August 1). Azerbaijan's gas exports to Syria via Turkey to boost energy security and alleviate power shortages. Retrieved August 1, 2025, from https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/azerbaijan-gas-exports-syria-turkey-boost-energy-security-alleviate-power-shortages

The news agency Azertac reported that Turkey, starting from August 1, 2025, has begun the first shipments of natural gas from Azerbaijan to Syria via the Turkish province of Kilis.
The gas pipeline running from Kilis to Aleppo in northern Syria, and planned to extend to Homs, began delivering gas with an annual export capacity of up to 2 billion cubic meters of natural gas, facilitated by Qatar's financing.
The increased energy supply from Azerbaijan will positively impact Syria's economy, with the Syrian Energy Minister Mohammad Al Bashir anticipating a boost of 750 megawatts in energy production.
The increased electricity supply is expected to enable the restarting of power plants offline, thereby improving basic electricity services for humanitarian relief and stability in Syria.
The energy minister of Turkey, Alparslan Bayraktar, stated that the capacity for gas exports to Syria will initially increase by 25%, potentially increasing further in the future.
Thestart of Azerbaijan's natural gas export to Syria via Turkey marks a significant step towards strengthening Syria's energy security and supporting the efforts of the displaced to return to their areas.