Oil & Energy
Market Chatter: Turkey Plans Massive 45 Million Barrel Oil Storage Boost to Strengthen Energy Security
Turkey is set to expand crude storage capacity to 45 million barrels from 1 million, marking a major push in energy security, Turkey-based daily Yeni Safak reported Sunday.BOTAS General Manager Abdulvahit Fidan said the Tank Farm Project will sharply lift storage capacity in Ceyhan, positioning the country to better manage supply risks and strengthen its role in regional energy markets.The company plans to build 40 new oil storage tanks under the project, significantly expanding infrastructure and creating a large reserve buffer to stabilize supply during periods of volatility.BOTAS will phase the investment, starting with six tanks in 2026 and bringing the first phase online in 2028, Fidan said, according to the report.The full project will reach completion between 2030 and 2031, delivering long-term capacity gains and strengthening Turkey's ability to respond to energy market fluctuations, the report added.Fidan described the expanded storage system as a strategic safeguard that will protect the country during supply shocks and reduce vulnerability to disruptions in global oil markets.BOTAS plans to raise compressor stations to 12 from nine by 2028 and increase units to 41 from 32, lifting capacity by about 20%, Fidan said, according to the report.Turkey has delivered about 100 billion cubic meters of natural gas to Europe since 2019 and maintains energy trade ties with 39 countries across six continents, Fidan said.On liquefied natural gas, Turkey will increase regasification capacity from 161 million cubic meters to over 200 million cubic meters, further strengthening supply flexibility, he said.Fidan said these combined investments aim to position Turkey among leading global energy players, with ambitions to reach top-tier status in infrastructure and supply capability, the report added.Hasan Ozkoc, secretary general of the Mediterranean Energy Regulators, said Turkey has achieved over 95% alignment with European Union electricity market regulations, reflecting strong regulatory integration with regional energy frameworks.David Managadze, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development regional manager for Turkey and the Caucasus, said the bank's portfolio reached 65 billion euros ($76.32 billion), with Turkey accounting for 30%, while energy investments in the country exceeded 1 billion euros.Botas and the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources of Turkey did not immediately respond to' request for comment.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)