Azerbaijani gas for Czechia? Supplies could begin as early as 2028–2029

The Czech Republic wants to purchase two billion cubic metres of gas annually from Azerbaijan. Supplies could begin between 2028 and 2029, Industry and Trade Minister Karel Havlíček said today during a visit to Azerbaijan. The agreement has not yet been signed, but the contract has been promised and is well on track, he added. Prime Minister Andrej Babiš said shortly beforehand that ČEZ is seeking the gas supplies.

Gas consumption in Czechia rose by 6.5 percent year on year last year to a total of 7.2 billion cubic metres, according to data from the Energy Regulatory Office (ERÚ).

According to Havlíček, the gas would cost around CZK 20 billion annually, depending on the length of the contract. If the Czech Republic wants a good price, it needs to consider a contract lasting 10 to 15 years, the minister said. Ten European Union countries currently purchase gas from Azerbaijan, meaning Czechia would become the eleventh.

Havlíček noted that there is "a queue" for gas in Azerbaijan. However, Czechia is a "partner with a capital P" for the country and is already a highly reliable partner in oil purchases. He added that 42 percent of the oil purchased in Czechia comes from Azerbaijani sources, making Czechia Azerbaijan's second most important oil customer after Italy.

According to data from the country's energy ministry, Azerbaijan produced 51.5 billion cubic metres of natural gas last year. Total exports amounted to 25.2 billion cubic metres, of which the country exported 12.8 billion cubic metres to Europe. Europe is the largest foreign buyer of Azerbaijani gas; the country also exports it to Turkey, Georgia and Syria.