The State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) is set to launch natural gas supply operations in the Albanian city of Korca, marking the first phase of a larger initiative aimed at establishing a comprehensive gas distribution network throughout the city. The project will prioritize support for local businesses and enterprises.
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that the country is on the verge of becoming the leading energy producer in the region. He emphasized that the success of this ambitious infrastructure project hinges on robust international cooperation. The natural gas supply effort, viewed as a testament to the deepening partnership between Albania and Azerbaijan, is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, bringing gas access directly to Korca’s residents.
Azerbaijani Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov described the initiative as a result of forward-thinking strategies and strong bilateral ties, further reinforcing diplomatic and economic relations between the two nations.
Currently, Albania serves as a key transit country within the Southern Gas Corridor, which has already transported 45.5 billion cubic meters of Azerbaijani gas to Europe. However, the new project positions Albania not just as a conduit, but also as a direct consumer and importer of natural gas.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev stressed his country’s commitment to expanding its energy presence across Europe. He highlighted the significance of strengthening gas distribution networks within European nations and identified Albania as a vital strategic partner in these efforts.
To support this expansion, SOCAR Gas has officially opened a new office in Albania.
At the COP29 climate conference held in Azerbaijan last year, a memorandum of understanding on Albania’s gasification was signed by SOCAR, the Albanian Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy, and Albgaz, the state-owned gas operator.
Following the completion of the Korca project, the gas network will extend to the nearby regions of Pogradec and Erseke. The broader vision includes a nationwide rollout of gas infrastructure by 2030, with a focus on urban areas, particularly those with industrial zones and business centers.
