NUR-SULTAN, Kazakhstan — QazaqGaz, Kazakhstan’s national gas company, is in negotiations to join the ambitious Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project, according to Kazakhstan’s Energy Ministry.
“Negotiations are underway between QazaqGaz and [Turkmenistan’s] state company Turkmengaz,” the ministry said, as reported by Interfax. Due to confidentiality agreements, further details about the discussions have not been disclosed.
Kazakhstan’s Deputy Energy Minister, Yerlan Akkenzhanov, indicated during the Kazakhstan-Afghanistan business forum in October 2024 that the country was exploring participation in TAPI’s construction. “If a Kazakh company joins, it would create new opportunities for cooperation between the two countries in the gas sector,” Akkenzhanov said.
The TAPI pipeline, spanning 1,814 kilometers, aims to transport 33 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually from Turkmenistan’s Galkynysh field, one of the world’s largest gas reserves. The pipeline route includes 214 kilometers in Turkmenistan, 774 kilometers in Afghanistan, passing through Herat and Kandahar, 826 kilometers in Pakistan, traversing Quetta and Multan before reaching Fazilka in India.
The project is managed by the TAPI Pipeline Company Limited, with Turkmengaz holding an 85% stake. Afghanistan’s Gas Corporation, Pakistan’s Interstate Gas Systems, and India’s GAIL each hold 5% shares.
With an estimated cost of $10 billion, the TAPI pipeline represents a significant infrastructure initiative aimed at enhancing energy security and fostering regional economic integration.