- Turkey’s LNG deal with Mercuria strengthens supply security and supports Ankara’s $100 billion trade target with the US.
- BOTAS also signed a long-term agreement with Australia’s Woodside Energy, adding 5.8 bcm of LNG from 2030.
Turkey’s LNG deal with Mercuria has been announced, marking a significant step in Ankara’s energy diversification strategy. The 20-year agreement with the global trading company will see Turkey purchase US liquefied natural gas (LNG) from 2026.
Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar confirmed the deal on Wednesday. It came just before President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with US President Donald Trump. The contract covers four billion cubic metres of LNG annually, totalling around 70 bcm over two decades.
Turkey has long relied on Russia for most of its gas imports. Yet this deal highlights Ankara’s determination to secure energy and reduce dependence on Moscow. At least 16 bcm of contracts with Russia expire this year, making the timing critical.
In addition, the European Union plans to ban Russian LNG imports by the end of 2026. Against this backdrop, the Turkey LNG deal with Mercuria signals a decisive move to manage risks while meeting rising energy demand.
State-owned BOTAS finalised the agreement in New York during Erdogan’s visit. Supplies will come from US loading terminals and regasification plants in Turkey, Europe, and North Africa. Bayraktar stressed the deal would boost energy security and strengthen the $100 billion trade goal with the US.
BOTAS signed a preliminary LNG deal with Woodside Energy, Australia’s leading gas producer. That contract provides 5.8 bcm of LNG over nine years, beginning in 2030, mainly from Woodside’s Louisiana project.
Russia supplied 40% of Turkey’s 52 bcm of gas imports last year. The US was the fifth-largest supplier, providing 10%, just behind Algeria. With these new agreements, Turkey is clearly widening its portfolio and lowering vulnerabilities.
The deals also align with Ankara’s efforts to improve relations with Washington. Earlier this week, Turkey lifted tariffs on several US imports, signalling goodwill ahead of Erdogan’s diplomatic visit.
BOTAS, which manages Turkey’s gas infrastructure, secured the deal with Mercuria, one of the world’s most considerable energy and commodity groups. Analysts suggest the agreement could reshape Turkey’s long-term energy outlook.