Kazakhstan to Extend Fuel Export Ban

Kazakhstan plans to extend its ban on exporting petrol, diesel, and other fuels outside the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), the Ministry of Energy announced, according to Sputnik Kazakhstan.

The current restrictions end on December 31. The new ban will start the following day and last for six months. It will also apply to aviation kerosene, xylene, oil bitumens, and light distillates.

Fuel exported in the tanks provided by the vehicle manufacturer will be exempt from the ban.

The Ministry will also permit the export of aviation kerosene samples for laboratory testing.

The government aims to use these restrictions to address the fuel shortage and prepare for a unified oil product market within the EAEU.

The ban also helps maintain the duty-free import of petroleum products from Russia. As per the agreements, Kazakhstan cannot allow the re-export of these products to third countries.

The Ministry has highlighted the rising problem of grey fuel exports, with petrol and diesel being exported to neighbouring countries under the guise of other liquids.