Kazakhstan plans to send its oil for processing to foreign oil refineries, according to a report by Tengrinews, citing the country's Ministry of Energy. This decision is part of a draft order published on the Open Legal Entities portal, which outlines the rules for creating a schedule for the supply of oil to foreign refineries.
The Ministry of Energy explained that these rules will be applied in the event of a temporary suspension of operations at Kazakh oil refineries due to various reasons, such as accidents. Last year alone, there were 33 unscheduled shutdowns at Kazakhstan's refineries. From 2020 to 2022, the largest factories were forced to suspend operations almost 400 times due to accidents or violations.
Kazakhstan's oil refining industry is guided by a development concept that mandates its refineries to operate year-round at their maximum capacity. This is crucial for maintaining a steady supply of refined products and meeting both domestic and international demand.
Current Oil Refineries in Kazakhstan
There are currently three large oil refineries in Kazakhstan: in Pavlodar, Shymkent, and Atyrau. These refineries are essential to the country’s oil processing capacity and play a significant role in its economy. However, due to frequent unscheduled shutdowns, there is a pressing need to ensure continuous operation and stability in oil refining.
Future Plans for the Oil Refining Industry
The possibility of building a fourth oil refinery has been under discussion for a long time. According to the industry development concept, a plan for its construction is to be developed by 2030. This new refinery is expected to alleviate some of the pressures on the existing facilities and enhance Kazakhstan's refining capacity.
Background and Context
Kazakhstan's decision to process oil abroad is also influenced by the necessity to ensure a continuous supply chain, even during unforeseen shutdowns. The draft order published by the Ministry of Energy is a proactive measure to address the frequent disruptions faced by the country's oil refineries.
Comments (0)