Russian gas deliveries to Europe through the TurkStream pipeline reached a new high in 2025, with total shipments of 18.1 billion cubic metres, according to calculations by TASS based on data from the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Gas (ENTSOG). The figure marks the largest annual volume sent via the route since the pipeline began commercial operation in January 2020.
Overall transport along the TurkStream corridor to European destinations rose by 8.3% in 2025 compared with the previous year. The increase underlines the pipeline’s role in sustaining Russian gas exports to Turkey and countries in southern and south-eastern Europe after the cessation of transit through Ukraine.
TurkStream gas exports reach new high
December proved especially strong: exports via TurkStream to Europe climbed to 1.73 billion cubic metres, a month-on-month rise of 6.6% and a 13.6% increase compared with December 2024. That single-month figure represents the highest monthly throughput recorded on the pipeline since it entered service in 2020.
TurkStream runs beneath the Black Sea, linking Russia to Turkey and onward to consumer markets in southern Europe. The two-branch system has an aggregate capacity of 31.5 billion cubic metres annually. One branch serves the Turkish domestic market, while the other is designated for deliveries to south and south-eastern European customers.
Analysts said the 2025 volumes demonstrate the continuing commercial viability of TurkStream as a major export route for Russian gas. With transit through Ukraine terminated, TurkStream remains the principal active corridor for Russian pipeline shipments destined for parts of Europe, reducing reliance on alternative routes and LNG shipments for some buyers.
Energy market watchers emphasised that flows can be influenced by seasonal demand, contract structures and broader geopolitical developments. The record monthly throughput in December reflects winter demand patterns and contractual deliveries, while annual totals indicate how buyers and suppliers are adjusting supply chains in a changing European gas market.
European authorities and operators closely monitor pipeline flows and market balances. ENTSOG data provide transparency on cross-border movements, enabling market participants and policymakers to assess supply reliability. TASS compiled the annual and monthly totals from those publicly available statistics.
For recipient countries in the Balkans and south-eastern Europe, TurkStream continues to offer a direct route for pipeline gas. That has implications for energy security planning in the region, as governments balance diverse supply sources including pipeline imports, liquefied natural gas and domestic production where available.
Market commentators noted that while TurkStream’s capacity exceeds current recorded shipments, the 2025 uptick suggests room for further commercial growth if demand and contractual arrangements support increased offtake. The long-term prospects for pipeline flows will depend on European energy policy choices, decarbonisation timelines and the structure of gas procurement contracts.
As Europe navigates its energy transition, pipeline dynamics such as the rise in TurkStream shipments in 2025 will remain a focal point for traders, regulators and governments assessing both near-term supply needs and longer-term strategies for diversifying sources of energy.
Key Takeaways:
- Russia exported a record 18.1 billion cubic metres to Europe via TurkStream in 2025, up 8.3% year-on-year.
- December shipments hit a monthly high of 1.73 billion cubic metres, 13.6% above December 2024.
- TurkStream, with 31.5 bcm capacity, remains the primary active route for Russian gas to Europe after Ukrainian transit ended.
- Data are based on TASS calculations using ENTSOG statistics, highlighting the pipeline’s growing commercial significance.
