Türkiye is currently negotiating with the US for a sanctions waiver that would permit the continuation of natural gas imports from Russia through Gazprombank, reported Bloomberg.
Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar expressed concerns that without such an exemption, Türkiye would be unable to make payments and consequently unable to procure gas.
Bayraktar's statements highlight the growing strain between the US and European nations that are still purchasing Russian gas, following recent sanctions imposed on Gazprombank.
These sanctions are significant as the bank plays a crucial role in processing energy payments and had previously avoided penalties related to the conflict in Ukraine.
"The intention is not to stop the flow of gas, but if there is no exemption, it may amount to something very big for Turkey," said Bayraktar, who cited earlier waivers on Iran-related sanctions as a precedent.
Russia is a critical energy supplier for Türkiye, accounting for approximately 42% of its gas imports in the previous year, as per regulatory data.
In response to the sanctions, a Russian delegation met with Turkish officials in Ankara on Tuesday to explore alternative payment methods. These discussions were confirmed by sources who wished to remain anonymous due to the private nature of the talks.
While the Russian embassy in Ankara declined to comment, neither Türkiye's Foreign Ministry, Gazprom, nor Russia's Energy Ministry provided immediate responses to the media outlet's inquiries.
The sanctions have also been criticised by Hungary, another significant importer of Russian gas. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto warned that the US actions against Gazprombank could threaten regional energy security.
After meeting with Bayraktar and other regional energy ministers in Istanbul, Szijjarto stated that the countries would find a solution to maintain gas supplies.
Despite supplying Ukraine with military equipment, Türkiye has not imposed sanctions on Russia. Instead, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been mediating peace efforts and facilitating a UN-backed agreement for Ukrainian grain exports.
Türkiye's energy ties with Russia extend beyond gas to include crude oil imports, a nuclear power plant project by Rosatom and discussions around a potential second plant.
