Azerbaijan, Baku, Jan. 19 /Trend, A.Akhundov/
Construction of Turkish part of the pipeline between the cities of Aleppo (Syria) and Kilis (Turkey), which will export Azerbaijani gas to Syria, will be completed in early 2012, a source at the Energy Ministry of Turkey told Trend.
"BOTAŞ has announced a tender to build a gas pipeline from the city of Kilis to the border with Syria on Dec. 29, 2010, and proposals are accepted until Jan. 28, 2011. Work is expected to be completed within 360 days after signing contract and delivery of the territory," said the Energy Ministry.
According to the report, the project cost will be determined after signing a contract on the construction of the section. "Construction of the section from the Aleppo city to the Turkish border is carried out by the Syrian side," the ministry said.
During the visit of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's visit to Azerbaijan in July 2009, the parties have agreed to supply one billion cubic meters of gas. As said earlier Trend Deputy Oil Minister Hassan Zainab, Syria, Syria could start importing gas from Azerbaijan in 2011, but the exact date yet to be determined.
During Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's visit to Azerbaijan in July 2009, the sides agreed to supply one billion cubic meters of gas. Deputy Oil Minister of Syria Hassan Zainab told Trend earlier that Syria could start importing gas from Azerbaijan in 2011, but the exact date has not yet been determined.
"The exact date is unknown. There is no problem. We just wait when the Turkish side will build the remaining part of the gas pipeline between Syria and Turkey. We have the information that the work will be finished very soon", Zainab said.
Zainab said that the amount of imported gas will vary between 2-3 millions cubic meters per day.
Turkey and Syria are constructing a 63-km long gas pipeline between Aleppo (Syria), and Kilis (Turkey).
According to the State U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), Syria's proven gas reserves in 2009 amounted to 9 trillion cubic feet.
The gas production in Syria declined in 2004-2008. It is expected to be rapidly increased by developing new projects.
The gas production in Syria amounted to 219 billion cubic feet in 2009, the consumption - 251 billion cubic feet.
The gas production in the country in 2008 amounted to 208 billion cubic feet, import - 5 billion, the consumption - 213 billion cubic feet.