September 21, 2012

Russia-Turkey Energy Ties: Cooperation with Conflict

Energy relations between Russian and Turkey have long been characterized by overt friendship and subtle competition. Along with its booming economy, Turkey’s demand for energy has surged in recent years, growing faster than in almost any other country except China. Turkey must acquire almost all its oil and gas from foreign sources, primarily Russia. The large volume of oil and especially natural gas that Turkey regularly imports from Russia goes far toward explaining why Russia has become Turkey’s largest trading partner, displacing Germany in 2008.

Energy relations between Russian and Turkey have long been characterized by overt friendship and subtle competition. Along with its booming economy, Turkey’s demand for energy has surged in recent years, growing faster than in almost any other country except China. Turkey must acquire almost all its oil and gas from foreign sources, primarily Russia. The large volume of oil and especially natural gas that Turkey regularly imports from Russia goes far toward explaining why Russia has become Turkey’s largest trading partner, displacing Germany in 2008.


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