Yildiz says natural gas from Iran resumed

Speaking to members of the Association of Economy Reporters yesterday, Energy Minister Taner Yildiz said that the natural gas flow from the Turkey-Iran Natural Gas Pipeline which has been suspended due to an explosion on the pipeline was resumed. In reply to a question whether a natural gas discount would be provided by Iran, Yildiz said that 16-20 percent of Turkey’s natural gas needs were met by Iran. Yildiz added that the price of natural gas purchased from Iran has been on a reasonable level in recent years, but that Turkey has been purchasing natural gas from Iran for the highest price in the last one year. “If this situation derives from the formula, it will be compensated,” Yildiz added.  Answering a question if water and electricity cuts would be on the agenda as part of sanctions which are envisaged to be applied on Syria, Yildiz said that the water transferred to Iraq through Syria would not be cut. Furthermore, according to Yildiz, a recent agreement between Ankara and Baku on the Trans-Anatolian natural gas pipeline project (TANAP) will not hamper the possibility of construction the Nabucco pipeline.