Turkmenistan’s People’s Council Chairman Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov met with China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) Chairman Dai Houliang in Beijing, reaffirming his country’s commitment to deepening cooperation in the natural gas sector. The meeting took place during Berdimuhamedov’s friendly visit to China at the invitation of President Xi Jinping.
During the talks, both sides emphasized that Turkmenistan-China cooperation in the oil and gas sector stands as a model of effective bilateral partnership. A key highlight of this relationship is the joint pipeline project delivering Turkmen natural gas to China. The two parties also underscored the significance of agreements reached regarding the next stage of development of the Galkynysh gas field, one of the world’s largest natural gas deposits.
Turkmenistan is a critical supplier of pipeline natural gas to China, delivering approximately 40 billion cubic meters annually through three pipeline routes — Lines A, B, and C — running through Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.
In terms of energy reserves, Turkmenistan holds the world’s fourth-largest proven natural gas reserves, trailing only Russia, Iran, and Qatar. The country’s total hydrocarbon resources exceed 71 billion tons of oil equivalent, including over 20 billion tons of oil reserves and more than 50 trillion cubic meters of natural gas.
In 2025, Turkmenistan’s total natural gas extraction exceeded 76.5 billion cubic meters, while oil production surpassed 8.3 million tons, reflecting the country’s robust and growing energy output.
The meeting signals both nations’ intent to further strengthen an already substantial energy relationship, with Turkmenistan positioning itself as a long-term and reliable supplier to meet China’s considerable and growing energy demands.
Source: Sputnik News, March 19, 2026
https://sputniknews.cn/20260319/1070330307.html