Turkmenistan Stops Gas Exports To Iran Amid Winter Cold

Turkmenistan halted gas deliveries to Iran and gas swaps with Azerbaijan. Iran’s struggle with a severe gas shortage prompted a history of gas-related agreements with Turkmenistan. Iran played a role in swapping gas between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan for a 15% fee before exporting. Yet, Iran’s history of delayed payments to Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan access to a cheaper European gas market has removed Iran as a key asset in gas procurements. Iran may have to increase the consumption of Mazut gas, leading to further domestic tensions.