China’s National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) is preparing to launch work on Phase Four of Turkmenistan’s massive Galkynysh gas field.
According to official information, once operating at full capacity, the new phase is expected to produce around 30 billion cubic meters (bcm) of natural gas annually. The project is fully financed by Turkmenistan.
Ashgabat has not yet disclosed which export route will be used for gas produced under Phase Four. The government report notes that China is currently the “largest buyer” of Turkmen gas, purchasing about 40 bcm per year.
The report also emphasizes:
“Diversification of export routes remains the cornerstone of Turkmenistan’s gas policy.”
In this context, another export option mentioned is the TAPI pipeline — Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India — with a projected annual capacity of 33 bcm. However, construction in Afghanistan is progressing slowly.
In recent months, Turkmen officials have also expressed renewed interest in the long-planned Trans-Caspian pipeline, which could enable large-scale gas exports to the European Union. EU countries collectively consumed about 320 bcm of gas in 2025.
The official statement notes:
“The successful phased development of this gigantic field enables Turkmenistan to ensure reliable natural gas supplies both domestically and to international markets.”
The Galkynysh field consists of seven development phases. Currently, only Phase One — also developed by CNPC — is fully operational, producing around 30 bcm annually.
Negotiations on Phases Two and Three continue with CNPC and Abu Dhabi’s National Oil Company.
Total reserves: 27.4 trillion cubic meters
Independent analysts estimate that Galkynysh, together with the nearby Garakol and Yashlar fields, contains about 27.4 trillion cubic meters of natural gas — enough to support annual exports of 200 bcm for decades.
