Kazakhstan’s energy leadership reiterated that the Caspian Pipeline Consortium CPC oil pipeline will stay the primary export path for Kazakh crude in the near term and into 2023. The statement came from Bolat Akçulakov, the country’s energy minister, who spoke to reporters via DEA News. He underscored that CPC remains free from sanctions and there is no prohibition on oil transit through the line. Akçulakov also voiced cautious optimism that this sanctions posture would persist next year, providing a stable conduit for Kazakh oil exports and contributing to predictable energy flows in the region.
Earlier remarks suggested that Russia would consider facilitating Kazakhstan’s oil shipments to Germany by way of the Druzhba pipeline system. Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak indicated that Moscow views an increase in Kazakh oil transit via Druzhba with a constructive stance. He noted that should Kazakhstan submit a formal request, Russia would evaluate and potentially support such a move. The exchange points to ongoing dialogue about diversifying routes for Kazakh crude and ensuring dependable access to European markets.
In a related development, Kazakhstan’s national energy company, KazMunayGas, announced on December 21 that a test delivery of Kazakh oil to the Schwedt refinery in Germany was planned for the near future. The move is part of a broader effort to replace Russian fuel supplies with Kazakh crude in Germany, reflecting strategic shifts in energy sourcing and supply chain resilience. The test delivery aims to demonstrate the feasibility of supplying European refiners with Kazakh crude through existing and emerging transit corridors, aligning with national energy security goals and regional market dynamics. This initiative comes amid a broader trend of diversifying energy supply routes and strengthening bilateral energy cooperation across Europe and Central Asia. The outcomes of the test and subsequent shipments will be watched closely by industry observers and policymakers alike, as they have implications for transit traffic, pricing, and regional energy policy. [Attribution: DEA News]