🕒 Created

Yerlan Akkenzhenov Confirms Kazakhstan Refinery Will Process Russian Crude to Address Fuel Shortages

Kazakhstan's Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov announced that the Kondensat oil refinery in western Kazakhstan will begin processing Russian crude oil to help alleviate Russia's ongoing fuel shortages. The refinery will send approximately 70% of its gasoline and diesel output back to the Russia Federation, while the remaining 30% will stay on the Kazakh domestic market. Akkenzhenov stated that the arrangement is feasible because the refinery's owner is not currently under sanctions, despite the ongoing war and Ukraine's efforts to target Russian infrastructure. The crude oil will be delivered by rail, as the facility lacks a direct pipeline connection to either country. This move comes as Russia faces significant fuel scarcity, with some areas seeing only 20% of filling stations stocked with 95-octane petrol. The decision was made during a period of high demand and logistical challenges. While the agreement preserves jobs and brings investment to the refinery, it also occurs amidst a backdrop of recent fires and technical issues at other major Kazakh refineries.

Sources