Tajikistan Looks to Import Turkmen Gas

Tajiktransgas has asked Uztransgaz to allow transit of Turkmen gas to Tajikistan, head of Tajikistan's gas distribution company Sayidahmad Sharofiddinov told reporters Wednesday.

If agreement on the transit of gas is reached with Uzbekistan, Tajikistan will sign a contract with Turkmenistan to supply gas to the tune of 200 million cubic meters in 2012.

The move comes after Uzbekistan decided to stop gas supplies to Tajikistan from April 1. Uzbek authorities say that decision was made due to shortage of gas in domestic markets.

Tajik enterprises like Tajik Aluminum Company and Tajikcement are dependent on Uzbek gas, and their operation may be hindered due to the stoppage of gas.

Since Tajikistan doesn’t have a common border with Turkmenistan,  Tajikistan needs to ask Uzbekistan to use the gas pipeline that crosses its territory.