Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar, in his speech at the Liquid Gas Week Program organized by the World Liquid Gas Association (WLGA) at the Istanbul Congress Center, said that we are facing unprecedented challenges and uncertainties in the global energy scene.
Stating that the energy sector must learn how to adapt to these new realities, Bayraktar stated that energy security is a fundamental national security priority, and that providing reliable and affordable energy has become more difficult during the period when the global economy is undergoing energy transformation.
Bayraktar stated that to overcome these challenges, durable energy systems and realistic, flexible, balanced, smart policies that take into account the different needs of each market are needed and said, "Diversification is at the center of these smart policies. We cannot afford to remain dependent on a single energy source, a single supplier, technology or transportation route." made his assessment.
Drawing attention to the importance of LPG at this point, Bayraktar said, "In global energy discussions, LPG is sometimes overshadowed by its 'big brothers', oil and natural gas. However, its contribution to energy security should not be underestimated. Thanks to its flexibility, portability and accessibility, LPG offers an important alternative for millions of consumers, especially during periods of supply interruptions." he said.
Stating that Türkiye's experience clearly demonstrates the value of LPG, Bayraktar said:
"Today, Turkey has one of the world's largest and most developed LPG markets. As of last year, we ranked second in Europe in total LPG consumption. We are also the second largest autogas consumer in the world and the first in terms of the number of autogas stations, dealers and LPG-powered vehicles. We have approximately 10 thousand autogas stations and 5.2 million LPG-powered vehicles, these figures constitute approximately 30 percent of our registered vehicle fleet. This reflects the maturity of our LPG market and the maturity of our infrastructure. "reflects its power."
Bayraktar said, "Beyond market size, scale and commercial success, we see LPG as an important tool in solving global energy access problems." he said.
Emphasizing that despite technological advancements and developments, approximately 2 billion people around the world lack the opportunity for clean cooking, Bayraktar said, "As long as billions of people do not have access to basic modern energy services, we cannot talk about an inclusive energy transformation. At this point, LPG can make a real difference. In communities where electricity and natural gas infrastructure is limited, LPG offers a practical and relatively cleaner alternative to traditional cooking fuels. Turkey has already experienced this transformation and we believe that our experiences can give valuable lessons to other countries." he said.
Bayraktar pointed out the need for affordable supply, safe equipment, reliable distribution networks and cooperation between governments, industry and international institutions to disseminate clean cooking practices and said, "Clean cooking is one of the issues we plan to bring to the global agenda at COP31 to be held in Antalya this November. We believe that climate action should go hand in hand with access to energy and economic development." made his assessment.
Stating that, beyond clean cooking, LPG also provides significant benefits in transportation, heating and industrial applications, Bayraktar said, "Its portability and limited infrastructure requirements make it especially valuable in natural disasters and emergencies. Although Turkey has developed a comprehensive natural gas distribution network, many countries still do not have such an infrastructure. For these countries, LPG can offer an urgent and practical solution." he said.
Bayraktar stated that he sees 3 priorities for the future of the global LPG industry and said:
"First, strengthening the resilience of the supply chain through diversified sources, reliable infrastructure and stronger international cooperation. Second, expanding safe and affordable access to LPG, especially for clean cooking and communities lacking modern energy infrastructure. Third, investing in innovation and sustainability to increase efficiency, strengthen safety standards and develop reliable low-carbon solutions. Turkey is ready to cooperate with international partners to advance these priorities."
Stating that the future of energy will not depend on a single fuel or technology, Bayraktar said, "This will require a combination of solutions that respond to the different needs and conditions of countries. LPG will continue to have an important place in this constantly evolving energy landscape." he said.
