SOCAR begins delivering gas to Austria and Germany

SOCAR begins delivering gas to Austria and Germany
The logo of SOCAR Energy Switzerland is seen on a filling station in Bern, Switzerland 10 May 2016
Reuters

Azerbaijan's state-owned company, SOCAR, has started supplying natural gas to Austria and Germany, the company has confirmed.

Starting this month, gas produced in Azerbaijan is being transported via the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) and flowing into markets in central Europe.

SOCAR said the move represents an important step in diversifying its export destinations. With these additions, 16 countries now receive Azerbaijan’s pipeline gas.

The company described the deliveries as consistent with Azerbaijan’s broader strategy to increase its presence in European energy markets and strengthen its reputation as a reliable supplier.

Many European Union member states have sought to reduce reliance on Russian gas in recent years, prompting efforts to secure alternative sources.

Germany has already been deepening its energy ties with Baku. In mid-2025, SOCAR signed a 10-year gas supply contract with the German state-owned company Securing Energy for Europe (SEFE), under which deliveries are set to begin later that year.

The infrastructure enabling these deliveries is part of a much larger project. The Southern Gas Corridor consists of multiple pipelines that brings gas from Azerbaijan’s offshore Shah Deniz field across Georgia and Türkiye before reaching Europe. The corridor was completed in stages, with TAP’s connection to the Italian network beginning commercial deliveries in 2020.

SOCAR said it will continue to expand its gas marketing activities in Europe and the Middle East in line with President Ilham Aliyev’s gas strategy.

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