Iran’s decision to stop all natural gas exports to Turkey in March 2026 marks a significant escalation tied directly to the ongoing regional conflict.
The primary cause is reported damage to Iran’s South Pars gas field—the largest in the world—following a strike on March 18 that severely impacted processing facilities in Assaluyeh, a critical hub for exports.
The disruption is part of the broader “Iran War 2026,” which has seen mutual attacks on energy infrastructure across the Persian Gulf, including LNG facilities in Qatar. With South Pars responsible for roughly 70% of Iran’s domestic gas supply, Tehran has prioritized internal consumption, cutting exports to Turkey and Iraq to maintain minimal electricity production and supply for its population.
For Turkey, the impact is immediate and severe. Iran previously accounted for about 13–14% of Turkey’s annual gas consumption—around 7 billion cubic meters. The cutoff creates a monthly shortfall of up to 600 million cubic meters, forcing Ankara to turn to expensive LNG purchases on the spot market. Gas prices in Europe have already surged by over 60%, placing heavy strain on Turkey’s economy.
