Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Oct. 4
By Huseyn Hasanov– Trend:
Construction of the Turkmen section of the TAPI (Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India) gas pipeline, according to previously approved plans, is scheduled to be completed by early 2019, a source close to the fuel and energy sector of Turkmenistan told Trend.
The source noted that during the sectoral meetings, the relevant departments periodically declare that all work on the TAPI project in Turkmenistan is carried out in accordance with the approved schedule.
Construction of the Turkmen section of the TAPI gas pipeline was launched in December 2015, while the Afghan section - in February 2018. The possible costs of the project vary between $8-10 billion.
The total length of the pipeline, with a capacity of 33 billion cubic meters of gas per year, will be approximately 1,840 kilometers reaching the settlement of Fazilka on the border with India.
Being the leader of the international consortium TAPI Pipeline Company Limited, Turkmengas with a controlling stake performs the functions of the main financier and manager of the project.
The consortium also includes the Afghan Gas Corporation, Pakistan’s Inter State Gas Systems (Private) Limited Company and India’s GAIL. The consortium, with the participation of Asian Development Bank, continues active negotiations with all interested parties.
Various options for participation in the project are being studied, such as share participation, project financing, financing through international development banks and with the help of export credit agencies from around the world.