Pakistan and Turkmenistan have signed a Joint Implementation Plan (JIP) to expedite the processes of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project. On completion, the 1,849-kilometer pipeline will deliver 1.3 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day to Pakistan for over 30 years.
Jun 14, 2023
Pakistan and Turkmenistan have signed a Joint Implementation Plan (JIP) to accelerate the feasibility study of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project. The proposed pipeline route will cover 1,849 kilometers starting from the Turkmenistan source through Herat, Kandahar, Chaman, Zhob, DG Khan, Multan, and Fazilika.
The TAPI gas pipeline project aims to transport natural gas from the Galkynysh gas field in Turkmenistan to Pakistan via Afghanistan. Over a 30-year period, the pipeline is expected to deliver up to 33 billion cubic meters (bcm) of natural gas per year, with Pakistan’s off-take estimated at 1.3 billion cubic feet per day (BCFD) through a 56-inch diameter pipeline.
A Senior Coordination Committee (SCC), headed by Mr. Jehanzeb Khan, Pakistan’s Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, has been established to oversee and expedite project activities. The TAPI gas pipeline project will ensure energy security, economic growth, and prosperity for Pakistan through access to low-cost gas supplies. Pakistan remains committed to the TAPI gas pipeline project and has expressed willingness to continue with the project even without India.
The JIP signing happened during the two-day visit to Pakistan led by Mr. Maksat Babayev, State Minister and Head of TurkmenGaz, and Mr. Muhammetmyrat Amanov, Deputy Minister of Energy Annageldi Saparov, and CEO and Chairman of BOD, TPCL. The signing ceremony was attended by Mr. Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan Prime Minister, key cabinet members, and representatives from the Petroleum Division and Inter State Gas Systems Private Limited.
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Prime Minister Shehbaz stated, “TAPI gas project is a manifestation of the strategic cooperation between Pakistan and Turkmenistan in the energy sector.” He also proposed exploring gas connectivity from the Chaman border to Gwadar and constructing LNG terminals at Gwadar to expand gas supplies to Europe and global LNG markets.
