Bayraktar: Turkey Now Also Explores for Oil and Natural Gas Abroad

Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar stated that alongside domestic production, Turkey has expanded its exploration activities abroad to achieve energy independence. Bayraktar highlighted that drilling is now possible in Somalia and that natural gas production in the Black Sea will multiply this year and by 2028 targets.

Scraper SystemJune 07, 2026, 01:28 AM

Bayraktar: Turkey Now Also Explores for Oil and Natural Gas Abroad

In his speech at the 41st Anniversary Awards Night of the Ankara Residents Association held at Divan Hotel, Bayraktar emphasized that Ankara is a very important city for Turkey's economy. He mentioned that there are two key factors in Turkey's economy and that solving these would allow Turkey to overcome all its problems. Bayraktar said, "Turkey's industry needs to produce exports with added value.

Today, Turkey exports over 270 billion dollars. It is a significant manufacturing country with strong production capabilities and a robust entrepreneurial spirit. However, our industry does not yet produce enough added value. Ankara is important in this regard because it is the center of the defense industry and software sector."

Bayraktar identified energy as the second key factor and stated that Turkey continues its efforts vigorously in all areas to achieve energy independence, taking important steps. He stressed that energy independence is an inseparable part of national security and said, "In 2022, our country paid approximately 100 billion dollars for energy imports.

It is impossible to imagine life without energy to meet the growing needs for the economy to function. Especially in a period like 2026 with high energy prices, lifting this burden from the budget is truly important for economic independence and national security. Our energy demand is increasing, our industry is growing, our population is rising, and urbanization is expanding.

Turkey is exploring for natural gas and oil in its own seas within the Blue Homeland. In a region long troubled by terrorism, Turkey now produces its highest quality oil. It explores and produces oil in Gabar. These developments are very important to demonstrate what a Turkey without terrorism means and what it can contribute to the country.

Bayraktar stated that with the natural gas discovery in the Black Sea, the natural gas needs of four million households are currently met. He emphasized that production will double this year and quadruple by 2028, adding, "But this is not enough. Now Turkey has become a country that explores for oil and natural gas beyond its own fields. Turkey has become capable of conducting drilling activities in Somalia."

Pointing out that Turkey uses all its resources for energy independence, Bayraktar continued, "Renewable energy sources must also be utilized at the highest level. Just 3-4 days ago, under the auspices of our President at the Presidential Complex, we inaugurated renewable energy projects completed last year in Turkey.

We have realized investments worth nearly 6 billion dollars with over 8,000 megawatts. Additionally, by bringing the 70-year dream of the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant to life, using renewable energy sources, and exploring for oil and natural gas in Turkey and worldwide, we will write the story of energy independence into the Turkey Vision. We continue to work tirelessly for this goal.

"Ankara will continue to strengthen Turkey's economy" Bayraktar stated that Ankara will remain a center that adds strength to Turkey's economy and energy, saying, "Ankara is a city founded on loyalty, solidarity, bravery, and patriotism. This is exactly the spirit we call 'seğmenlik.'

Therefore, in this special city where Turkey's national will is manifested and which is the center of our democracy, we have gathered on the occasion of the anniversary of the Ankara Residents Association, an important organization fulfilling a significant role. The spirit of seğmenlik was the determination that helped our country rise again during the War of Independence.

With that spirit, the foundations of the Republic of Turkey were laid here, and since then, it has been rapidly advancing strongly toward becoming a great Turkey. That spirit was revived and wrote its epic again on July 15, which we will mark its 10th anniversary. I am very proud to serve this city."

Bayraktar: Turkey Now Also Explores for Oil and Natural Gas Abroad