Azerbaijan begins natural gas supplies to Germany and Austria

Azerbaijan has started supplying natural gas to Germany and Austria, expanding its presence in European energy markets, the country’s state energy company SOCAR said on Friday.

Demand for Azerbaijani gas has increased as European countries seek to reduce their dependence on Russian energy supplies following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. However, SOCAR noted that further export growth will depend on expanded pipeline capacity and additional investment in production.

Gas deliveries to Southern and Central Europe are being carried out via the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), the European leg of the Southern Gas Corridor. The gas is routed through Italy before reaching Austria and Germany.

In June, SOCAR signed a 10-year agreement with Germany’s state-controlled energy trader SEFE to supply up to 1.5 billion cubic metres (bcm) of gas per year. According to SOCAR, up to 1 bcm annually will be delivered to Austria.

“The new deliveries further expand the geographical reach of Azerbaijani gas in Europe,” SOCAR said in a statement, adding that the number of countries importing Azerbaijani gas has now increased to 16.

Despite rising demand, Azerbaijan’s gas exports to Europe remained broadly stable in 2025 at 12.8 bcm, compared with 12.9 bcm a year earlier. Total gas exports were unchanged at 25.2 bcm, according to the energy ministry.

SOCAR also said that TAP has increased its capacity by an additional 1.2 bcm per year starting in 2026, supporting future supply growth to European markets.