Turkey’s state-backed Turkish Petroleum Corporation has signed a joint agreement with US energy firms Continental Resources and TransAtlantic Petroleum to develop unconventional oil and natural gas resources in the Diyarbakir Basin in eastern Turkey.
A New Era in Exploration
Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar described the collaboration as a significant step toward reducing Turkey’s reliance on energy imports, particularly from Russia. “This cooperation will greatly contribute to our goal of bringing Turkey’s oil and gas resources to our economy,” Bayraktar stated on social media platform X.
Although Turkey is a member of the OECD, it remains relatively poor in hydrocarbons, relying heavily on natural gas imports to fuel its industrial sector. However, the new partnership is expected to open a “new era in exploration”, according to Bayraktar.
Diyarbakir’s Energy Potential
The Diyarbakir region, where the exploration will take place, has long been at the center of political tensions due to the Kurdish insurgency. However, earlier this month, PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan declared a ceasefire, which may provide a more stable environment for energy investments.
Continental Resources CEO Doug Lawler told Reuters that the company sees “immense potential” in Turkey’s untapped energy reserves. Meanwhile, TransAtlantic Petroleum, which has been operating in Turkey for 17 years, continues to expand its presence in the country’s energy sector.
Turkey’s Expanding Energy Ambitions
Bayraktar also revealed that Turkey plans to drill 153 oil exploration wells in 2025, focusing on the Gabar region, Diyarbakir, and areas near the Turkey-Syria border.
As of March 2025, Turkey’s daily oil production has reached 132,000 barrels, reflecting a steady increase in domestic output. Additionally, Turkey has been exploring hydrocarbon resources offshore Somalia and is currently negotiating exploration projects in Libya, according to Bayraktar.
The details of the Diyarbakir exploration plan have yet to be disclosed, but the agreement marks a strategic move to boost Turkey’s energy independence and attract foreign investment into its oil and gas sector.