October oil and natural gas production in Turkey reached historic levels, setting records for both monthly and daily output, as announced by the Energy and Natural Resources Ministry on Wednesday.

The ministry revealed that Turkey’s natural gas production exceeded 234.4 million cubic meters (mcm) in October, while domestic crude oil production soared to a record monthly high of 3.36 million barrels. The average daily production for natural gas and oil last month stood at 7.56 million cubic meters and 108,443 barrels, respectively.

According to data provided by the ministry, the highest oil production for a single day was achieved on October 29, with output reaching 111,280 barrels. Similarly, natural gas production peaked on October 23 at 7.9 mcm.

The remarkable increase in oil and gas production can be attributed to Turkey’s ongoing exploration efforts in various regions of the country. Significant discoveries in the Black Sea and the Gabar region in southeastern Turkey have contributed to the surge in production levels.

The ministry highlighted that natural gas production from the Sakarya Field accounted for 84% of total gas production last month, while oil production from the Gabar region represented 46.6% of the nation’s overall oil output.

In specific terms, natural gas production in the Sakarya Gas Field reached 6.66 mcm on October 23, while production in the Gabar region peaked on October 29 at 52,573 barrels.

During a recent statement, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar emphasized Turkey’s commitment to advancing oil and gas development initiatives by 2024. He declared the country’s intention to increase production through the exploration of new fields and drilling activities to meet the growing demands of the nation.

Bayraktar emphasized the importance of seeking new reserves and discoveries on a global scale, referencing the ongoing seismic activities of the Turkish research ship Oruç Reis in Somalia. The vessel is currently engaged in conducting seismic investigations for natural gas and oil in Somalia, with the mission expected to span approximately seven months.

In a significant development, Bayraktar announced the signing of a new agreement for onshore hydrocarbon exploration in Somalia between the Somali Petroleum Authority and the Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO). The agreement marks a crucial step towards strengthening energy cooperation between the two nations.

The minister reiterated Turkey’s ambition to achieve energy independence, stating, “Our goal is to make Türkiye fully self-sufficient in energy.” This vision aligns with the country’s broader strategy to enhance energy security and ensure sustainable development in the sector.

As Turkey continues to expand its exploration activities and invest in new technologies, the future of oil and natural gas production in the country looks promising. The recent records set in October underscore the nation’s potential to emerge as a key player in the global energy landscape.