A commercial flow of natural gas has been recorded at the Magtymguly field in Turkmenistan’s sector of the Caspian Sea following the drilling of appraisal and production well A8.
The well was drilled to a depth of 4,981 metres and tested at more than 1.3 million cubic metres of natural gas per day, along with around 130 tonnes of gas condensate, according to Turkmenistan newspaper.
The well is located within Block 1, operated by Malaysia’s PETRONAS Çarigali in partnership with state-owned Turkmennebit [Turkmen Oil] under a production-sharing agreement (PSA).
Initial well development work is still under way, with production expected to increase as the well moves into full-scale operation.
The results underline the hydrocarbon potential of the Magtymguly field and could support further growth in upstream production in Turkmenistan’s Caspian offshore sector.
Three decades of cooperation
Offshore development has been a key component of Turkmenistan’s long-standing cooperation with PETRONAS. In 2026, the two countries mark 30 years of strategic partnership in the oil and gas sector.
Over the past three decades, substantial production infrastructure has been developed in Turkmenistan’s Caspian offshore and coastal areas. Five modern offshore platforms have been installed, while around 40 exploration, appraisal and production wells have been drilled.
Joint projects have resulted in the production of more than 44 billion cubic metres of natural gas and 16 million tonnes of liquid hydrocarbons.
On the Turkmen coast, the partnership has also delivered a gas processing plant, a coastal gas terminal and facilities for assembling offshore structures.
Further Caspian development
The next phase of cooperation envisages expanding activity across other areas of Turkmenistan’s Caspian sector.
In particular, development work is planned on offshore Blocks 19 and 20.
2D-seismic surveys are also scheduled for Blocks 11, 12, 13 and 14 to provide additional geological data and help assess their resource potential.
The new PSAs, agreements covering seismic surveys and a long-term framework agreement on hydrocarbon development provide a basis for further expanding PETRONAS’ presence in Turkmenistan’s Caspian offshore sector.
The successful drilling of well A8 at the Magtymguly field marks the latest milestone in the partnership and highlights the remaining potential for further development of Turkmenistan’s offshore hydrocarbon resources.