ASTANA, Kazakhstan, February 10. Kazakhstan
plans to increase crude oil processing capacity by 9 million tons
annually and modernize existing refineries, President Kassym-Jomart
Tokayev said at a government meeting, Trend reports via the presidential press
service.
Tokayev noted that Kazakhstan produces around 100 million tons
of crude oil annually, but only 18 million tons are refined
domestically. As a result, the country faces chronic deficits in
diesel fuel and significant dependence on imported aviation
kerosene.
Tokayev noted that accelerating modernization of existing
refineries will raise total processing capacity from 18.4 million
tons to 27.4 million tons per year.
"The government is tasked with making a well-founded decision
regarding the construction of a new oil refinery. First and
foremost, it is necessary to accurately calculate where the raw
materials will be sourced from, what products will be produced, and
in what volumes. If the project moves forward, private investors
will need to be involved. Undertaking such projects solely with
state funds is highly impractical today", he said.
Kazakhstan boasts substantial crude oil capabilities, with
confirmed reserves nearing 30 billion barrels, placing it within
the elite ranks of the top 15–20 worldwide. The bulk of these
reserves can be found in the western territories, especially in the
Caspian Sea, which plays a pivotal role in energy generation.
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