Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said Türkiye aims to end its dependence on foreign sources to meet its energy needs.
Bayraktar spoke at a session titled "The breaking point of the global system: Energy diplomacy" held as part of the Bosphorus Diplomacy Forum 2026 in Istanbul. The forum was organized by the Turkish Young Diplomacy Association under the theme "Humanitarian diplomacy in an era of crises."
Emphasis on domestic resources and renewable energy
Bayraktar said Türkiye continued to develop its domestic and renewable resources, increase oil and natural gas production, and advance in the field of nuclear energy. He said these efforts would contribute to the country's goals economically, strategically and geopolitically.
Bayraktar said global energy demand was rising rapidly and that life without energy was unimaginable. He said meeting Türkiye's growing energy needs through domestic rather than foreign sources would provide a significant economic contribution to the country.
Energy imports totaled approximately $100 billion in 2022
Bayraktar announced that Türkiye paid approximately $100 billion for energy imports in 2022. He said it was important for this money to remain in the country and added that the primary goal was for Türkiye to become self-sufficient in energy.
Bayraktar said Türkiye's economy would be stronger and the country would also gain political strength if its dependence on foreign energy sources ended. He added that efforts were continuing in several areas.
Assessment of flows through the Strait of Hormuz
Bayraktar said the war targeting Iran had affected oil and liquefied natural gas flows through the Strait of Hormuz. He said countries receiving oil through this route had begun facing significant difficulties.
Bayraktar said Türkiye met 10% of its oil needs through the Strait of Hormuz and that this proportion did not currently pose a problem for Türkiye. He said that if the share were higher, Türkiye could face difficulties similar to those experienced by some other countries.
Bayraktar said efforts to end Türkiye's dependence on foreign energy sources had accelerated במסגרת the 2035 targets.
