BAKU, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- The State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) said Friday that it has officially commenced natural gas deliveries to Austria and Germany via the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), the European segment of the Southern Gas Corridor, expanding its exports to Europe.

The supplies started this month, and are being delivered through TAP smoothly and onward transported via Italy to buyers in Southern and Central Europe, including new customers in Austria and Germany, said the company.

With the new receivers, the total number of countries using Azerbaijani pipeline gas has reached 16.

SOCAR said the move aligns with Azerbaijan's long-term energy strategy to further solidify its role as a reliable energy supplier.

The Southern Gas Corridor links the Caspian Sea region to European markets, forming a 3,500-km system of pipelines that diversifies Europe's gas supply.