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Türkiye remains in contact with Hungary on the security of the TurkStream natural gas pipeline, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said Tuesday, confirming that gas supply through the line remains stable amid reported Ukrainian drone attack attempts.
Speaking after a Cabinet meeting in Ankara, Bayraktar described the pipeline as a critical route and signaled that its protection remains a shared priority with partner countries, adding that he held a phone call with Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto on the matter.
"We discussed the issue of maintaining the security of the line," Bayraktar said. "The security of the pipeline in the Black Sea and on our side is important."
TurkStream has a total annual capacity of 31.5 billion cubic meters (bcm), with roughly half—around 15.75 bcm—allocated to its European line. That segment now serves as the only pipeline route for Russian gas to Europe after Ukraine stopped transit at the start of 2025, with flows in 2025 surpassing its nominal capacity to reach 16.8 bcm.
In March, Russia’s state-run energy company Gazprom reported several Ukrainian actions targeting BlueStream and TurkStream pipeline infrastructure in Russia aimed at disrupting Moscow’s gas exports, with Russian authorities saying all were foiled.
Most recently, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said security forces found backpacks with explosives near the Balkan Stream pipeline in northern Serbia, the regional extension of TurkStream that carries Russian gas into Central Europe.
Ukraine denied any involvement, calling the incident "most likely a Russian false-flag operation" aimed at influencing Hungary’s upcoming elections in favor of President Viktor Orban.
Bayraktar also reiterated that Türkiye does not face any supply shortage due to limited shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, adding that the country's energy grid is operating without any problem.
Türkiye has expanded its energy routes and supply mix to reduce vulnerability to potential disruptions, Bayraktar indicated. He noted that increased diversification in both sources and delivery paths has strengthened the country’s ability to absorb shocks and maintain continuity.
However, reflecting his concerns over the rising global costs, he added, "We hope the war does not last longer."
Alongside immediate security measures, Bayraktar confirmed plans to travel to Somalia for official meetings and field inspections.
"We will go to Somalia on Friday. We will have important contacts and inspections there," he said, as preparations continue for the Cagri Bey drilling vessel to launch its first offshore operation.
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