Kazakh officials have been engaging with their Russian counterparts about the potential gasification of several regions in Kazakhstan. This stance was shared by Bolat Akçulakov, the country’s Minister of Energy, as reported by TASS. In addressing inquiries about negotiations with the Russian Federation over gasifying the northern and eastern areas, Akchulakov stated that discussions are still in progress. He noted that multiple options are under evaluation as part of these talks.
One possible route under consideration involves laying a gas pipeline through Barnaul that would extend into the northern part of Kazakhstan. This corridor could also function as a transit natural gas pipeline, though negotiations continue and no definitive feasibility calculations have been published to date. Akchulakov emphasized that while the framework is being explored, concrete numbers have not yet been settled.
Initial planning had contemplated a natural gas pipeline with a capacity of about 10 billion cubic meters per year. Yet, should there be interest in supplying additional volumes to the southern regions, the project would need to be scaled up to a more powerful capacity, potentially reaching 20 billion cubic meters annually. However, these figures remain subject to further discussion and assessment as the talks proceed (TASS).
Additionally, on the regulatory front, the press service of the Republic Competition Protection and Development Agency reported at the end of December that Kazakh authorities had decided to extend price regulation for the sale of liquefied petroleum gas for another six months, extending the regime to June 30, 2023. At the same time, marginal pricing for LPG refueling had been introduced earlier in January 2022, shaping how LPG is priced and sold within the republic during that period (Agency press release, cited by TASS).
Overall, the dialogue on gasification reflects a broader strategy to diversify energy infrastructure and supply routes in the region. Observers note that any final decision will weigh factors such as geopolitical dynamics, fiscal feasibility, pipeline security, and the potential impact on domestic gas access for both households and industries. As discussions unfold, stakeholders from energy ministries and regulatory bodies continue to assess technical, economic, and logistical considerations to determine the viability and timing of a cross-border gasification project (TASS).