Kazakhstan’s oil exports through the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) are unaffected by recent disruptions, the country’s Energy Minister confirmed on February 26. Despite damage caused by a Ukrainian drone strike on Russia’s Kropotkinskaya pumping station on February 17, Kazakhstan’s oil exports are continuing as scheduled.
Energy Minister Almasadam Satkaliyev assured reporters that there was no risk of a decline in oil loading volumes. He emphasized that there were no restrictions on oil intake and noted that Kazakhstan’s oil storage capacity remains sufficient to maintain stable operations. This statement follows concerns regarding the impact of the recent attack on Russia’s oil infrastructure.
Record high oil output amid constraints
Kazakhstan’s oil production has reached record levels, even with the damage to the CPC. Official data shows that on February 19, Kazakhstan’s oil and gas condensate output peaked at 2.12 mln barrels per day. This surge follows increased production at the Tengiz oilfield, a key site operated by Tengizchevroil, which is undergoing a $48 bn expansion led by Chevron Corp.
Despite these advancements, Kazakhstan’s oil export capacity remains constrained due to its reliance on the CPC, which handles more than 80% of the country’s oil exports. However, the recent surge in production suggests that Kazakhstan has found ways to maintain output even with limited export options.
Shifting focus towards alternative routes
Kazakhstan is also exploring alternatives to reduce its dependency on Russian routes. According to Minister Satkaliyev, the country is working on increasing oil exports through the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline, with plans to boost its annual exports from 1.5 mln metric tons to 20 mln metric tons. This shift comes as Kazakhstan seeks to diversify its export routes and reduce its reliance on Russia for oil transportation.
Concerns over increased drone attacks
As Ukraine intensifies its drone strikes on Russian energy infrastructure, the risk of disruptions to Russian oil exports remains high. Recent Ukrainian drone attacks targeted key facilities, including the Tuapse oil refinery and ports on the Black Sea. These attacks may have significant implications for global oil markets and fuel exports from Russia, further underscoring the volatility in the region’s energy sector.
Kazakhstan’s energy strategy, including expanding its reliance on alternative export routes, reflects the country’s efforts to adapt to a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape while maintaining its oil production momentum.
