The construction has been contracted to Belgium-based Enex, which reportedly has experience in implementing such projects in the country.

The news source noted that after the completion of construction, Turkmenistan’s gas supply to Russia and Europe will increase substantially. Turkmenistan has estimated potential natural gas reserves of more than 24.6 trillion cubic meters, according to Interfax.

The Turkmen president Gurbanguly Berdimuhammedow, as quoted by the news source, said: This region, which is a testament of Turkmenistan’s enormous economic potential and its status as an energy power, is what will help us increase the production of natural gas.

In order to calm skeptics who question these figures we have invited the UK-based audit firm Gaffney, Cline & Associates to assess the resources in these deposits and they will soon perform a certification procedure for hydrocarbon resources in the southeastern region in line with international standards for the classification of natural resources.