The Azeri-based project, which will provide Greece and a European pipeline network with Caspian gas, is not likely to begin before March, the official said.

"In the case of delay, we plan to export the natural gas that we produce (to Greece), at least at the start," the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The Shah Deniz project began operations in December, but was stopped soon afterward due to leaks and a breakdown in production at the extraction site. Azerbaijan has told Turkey that production will resume in March. Reuters