ANKARA, Dec 4 (KUNA) -- Turkish Minister of Energy Taner Yildiz said on Tuesday he did not believe fresh US sanctions on Iran would include Turkish natural gas imports from Iran.
"Iran is Turkey's second biggest supplier of natural gas. I believe (sanctions) will not cover it ... We know that sanctions of this kind would not only be against Iran, but would also be against Turkey," Yildiz told reporters in Istanbul.
Yildiz said Turkey could increase its imports of crude oil Yrom Russia if needed, noting that Moscow showed willingness to meet Turkey's increasing gas demand.
Last Friday, the US Senate approved expanded sanctions on global trade with Iran's energy and shipping sectors in a bid to boost economic pressure on Tehran over its nuclear program.
The new sanctions, which would be the third round in a year if passed into law, include measures aimed at stopping the flow of gold from Turkey to Iran in exchange for natural gas.
Turkey heavily hinges upon imported energy and produces the majority of its electricity from natural gas.
Turkey imports 10 billion cubic meters of Iranian natural gas, making up more than 90 percent of Iran's gas exports. (end) mm.mt KUNA 042320 Dec 12NNNN