This week, in an interview with local television channels, President Ilham Aliyev drew attention to the issue of increasing gas production in the country and also spoke about expanding export potential, diversifying gas export routes, and the work being carried out in these areas.
The President stated that our gas exports are growing with respect to both volume and geography:
"So far, we have supplied gas to 14 countries, 11 of them on a regular basis. There are countries that received our gas in 2024 but then stopped because of other sources. It is kind of on demand: whenever they need it, we start supply; when they do not need it, we cut it. But in total, the geographical coverage of pipeline gas from Azerbaijan amounts to 14 countries, and two more European countries will be added this year. So in total, it will be 16, and this is the largest number with respect to pipeline gas. No other country in the world supplies pipeline gas to as many countries as Azerbaijan. Our exports last year exceeded 25 billion cubic meters, with potential for growth, and there are two sources of that growth. First, as I already said, renewables. The more renewables we have, the more gas we will save for export. Second, new production from existing or new fields," noted President Ilham Aliyev.
During the interview, the head of state also touched upon the deep gas production project at the Azeri–Chirag–Gunashli field, the Shah Deniz Compression project aimed at extracting low-pressure gas, and the next stage of development of the Absheron field, among the projects currently under development. In addition, the interest shown by investors in the Babek structure was also highlighted.
"Syria was our new partner last year. And we are glad that we can help the Syrian government reduce the shortage of electricity, because our gas helps them—according to different estimates—reduce their electricity shortages by about four hours per day. And we are considering an option to increase the supply. For many countries, Azerbaijani gas plays an important role in energy security. With a diversified pipeline system and a strong reputation as a reliable supplier, along with good political contacts—since most of our clients are members of the European Union—all these factors are very positive," President Ilham Aliyev added.
From the President’s statements in the interview, it can be concluded that at a stage where the global energy architecture is rapidly changing and energy security is practically equated with the concept of national security, Azerbaijan is shaping its gas strategy based on a flexible, diversified, and forward-looking approach. In the current situation, where uncertainty in energy markets is increasing and supply chains are more sensitive to political risks, Azerbaijani gas is perceived not only as a commercial product but also as a symbol of reliability, sustainability, and stability. The country’s energy policy combines the phased increase of gas production, the expansion of export geography, and the alignment of these processes with renewable energy within a single strategic framework.
Production and export potential
In 2025, gas production of 50.8 billion cubic meters and export volume of 25.2 billion cubic meters demonstrate that Azerbaijan has solidified its status as a mature gas exporter. These figures are not just statistics; they are the logical outcome of institutional management developed over many years, large-scale capital-intensive projects, and international partnerships. Against the backdrop of increased gas production, relatively stable domestic consumption highlights another important aspect of the strategic approach – the rapid development of the renewable energy sector. The commissioning of solar and wind power plants is changing the domestic energy balance, reducing dependence on gas, and creating additional volumes for export. This is a clear example of Azerbaijan’s pragmatic approach to the energy transition.
One of the main pillars of Azerbaijan’s gas position in the international arena is its extensive and diversified pipeline infrastructure. The Southern Gas Corridor has already become not just a regional project but an integral part of Europe’s energy security. Through this corridor, Azerbaijani gas connects countries with different political and economic systems along a route stretching thousands of kilometers from the Caspian basin to the Mediterranean, forming a single energy chain. Currently, Azerbaijani gas is regularly delivered to 11 countries, but the coverage of the pipeline network is broader, encompassing a total of 14 countries. While demand may vary in individual countries depending on market conditions, Azerbaijani gas always remains a reliable alternative in these markets.
Expanding coverage in international markets
The addition of Germany and Austria to this list from 2026 will further increase Azerbaijan’s weight on Europe’s energy map. The number of gas-importing countries reaching 16 is not only a geographical expansion but also an indicator of political trust. In particular, the fact that the majority of countries that are members of the European Union choose Azerbaijani gas confirms that this resource is suitable for long-term contracts and acceptable in terms of risk. In this context, Azerbaijan acts as one of the main pillars of Europe’s energy diversification strategy.
It should also be noted that since December 31, 2020, the transportation of Azerbaijani gas to Europe via the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) has begun. Over five years, more than 54 billion cubic meters of gas have been supplied to Europe through TAP. According to operational data, this year 12.8 billion cubic meters of gas have been exported to Europe under short- and long-term contracts.
Expanding the resource base
The main pillar of future growth prospects is Azerbaijan’s extremely extensive and multi-layered resource base. It is this resource potential that transforms the country’s gas strategy into a long-term and sustainable model, independent of short-term market conditions. For instance, new gas production from the Azeri–Chirag–Gunashli (ACG) field is expected to begin this year. This field, which for many years has been mainly associated with oil, actually has significant gas potential, and the deep gas project further increases its strategic importance. This not only means obtaining additional volumes but also establishing gas production alongside oil on a stable and predictable basis for many years.
The planned “Shah Deniz Compression” phase at the Shah Deniz field is of particular importance in terms of realizing the full potential of the existing infrastructure. The new phase will allow for increased gas production without requiring additional massive investments, using the already established production and transportation system. This approach not only increases economic efficiency but also strengthens reliability and continuity in Azerbaijan’s gas supply.
Undoubtedly, the Absheron field, which can be compared to Shah Deniz in terms of size, plays a special role in the country’s gas strategy. Currently, the gas produced in the first phase mainly meets domestic consumption and serves the country’s energy security. However, the second phase is larger both in terms of volume and strategic importance: it is expected that this phase will provide approximately three times more gas than today's production and will be directed to foreign markets. Thus, Absheron is strategically important not only for meeting domestic demand but also for expanding Azerbaijan’s export potential and creating a reliable energy source for international partners.
In turn, the growing interest of international energy companies in the Babek field proves that confidence in Azerbaijan’s gas sector is not accidental. Large volumes, favorable geological structure, and a stable investment environment bring this field to the center of attention in the global energy market. This interest also shows that Azerbaijan has the potential to maintain its status as a reliable gas supplier for many years, not only based on existing projects but also through future discoveries and new production phases.
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Gas exports from Azerbaijan to Syria
Against the backdrop of this broad European context, gas exports to Syria act as a new and noteworthy direction in Azerbaijan’s energy policy. Cooperation with Syria is not limited purely to economic interests and also has a humanitarian dimension. The supply of Azerbaijani gas to this country significantly reduces the electricity shortage and contributes to the restoration of daily life. In the post-war stage, energy provision is one of the key conditions for economic recovery, and Azerbaijan’s role in this process expands its regional influence. The prospect of increased supply indicates that this cooperation could have a long-term character.
In conclusion, it can be said that Azerbaijan’s gas strategy has already moved beyond the classic export model and has become an important tool of energy diplomacy, geopolitical balance, and economic resilience. The country simultaneously contributes to Europe’s energy security, supports post-war recovery processes in the Middle East, and implements the energy transition domestically. This multi-level approach transforms Azerbaijan from a regional energy supplier into a strategic energy actor on a broader scale. Current tendencies indicate that in the coming years, Azerbaijani gas will expand its influence not only through pipelines but also through political trust and strategic partnership channels.
