Shah Deniz contains approximately 1 trillion cubic metres of natural gas which is to be exported to Turkey via a new pipeline.

The start date is now slated for October - July was the original kick off date - because Turkey's Botas gas buying organisation has not yet provided the purchase guarantees.

Meetings are scheduled to take place in Athens next month between Botas, Socar and Depa about plans to transport 30 billion cubic metres Azeri gas per year of to Europe via Turkey and Greece.

Turkey and Greece have already signed letters of intent to build a 280-kilometre pipeline linking their two gas distribution systems.