Kazakhstan Plans Fuel Self-Sufficiency and Central Asia Exports

Kazakhstan plans to meet domestic fuel demand by 2030 and begin exporting refined petroleum products to Central Asia.

Kazakhstan Targets Fuel Self-Sufficiency and Central Asian Exports by 2030

By News National Editorial Team

Kazakhstan expects to become fully self-sufficient in refined petroleum products by 2030 and begin exporting surplus fuel to other Central Asian countries, Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov told lawmakers on October 7.

The government says expanded refinery capacity will allow Kazakhstan to meet domestic demand while eventually creating enough surplus production for exports.

The plan represents a significant shift for Kazakhstan, which has experienced periods of domestic fuel shortages and restrictions on petroleum-product exports.

Three major refineries

Kazakhstan currently operates three major oil refineries:

• Atyrau Oil Refinery

• Shymkent Refinery

• Pavlodar Petrochemical Plant

The country processed approximately 18.4 million tonnes of crude oil in 2025 and produced about 15.5 million tonnes of finished petroleum products, according to figures cited by the energy minister.

That output already covers more than 90% of domestic demand.

Shymkent expansion

One of the key projects is the expansion of the Shymkent refinery.

Its processing capacity is planned to increase from approximately 6 million tonnes to 12 million tonnes annually.

The Pavlodar refinery is also planned to receive an additional 2 million tonnes of capacity.

Together, the projects are intended to close Kazakhstan's domestic supply gap and create the possibility of exports.

From shortages to potential exports

Kazakhstan has previously imposed restrictions on exports of gasoline, diesel and certain petroleum products because of concerns over domestic availability.

The restrictions have been extended at different times as authorities sought to prevent shortages and maintain stable domestic prices.

The government's latest strategy is therefore based on increasing production rather than relying primarily on export restrictions.

Central Asia could become a new market

If Kazakhstan reaches its production targets, neighbouring Central Asian countries could become important markets for its refined products.

Kazakhstan is geographically positioned to supply countries such as Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and other regional markets.

The development could strengthen Kazakhstan's role as an energy hub in Central Asia, although infrastructure, pricing and cross-border trade arrangements will determine how much fuel can actually be exported.

Energy security and economic importance

Greater domestic refining capacity would reduce Kazakhstan's vulnerability to supply disruptions.

It could also create additional economic activity in refining, transport, storage and related industries.

For neighbouring countries that depend on imported petroleum products, additional Kazakh supply could provide another source of fuel and reduce dependence on more distant suppliers.

Challenges remain

Building and expanding refinery capacity requires major investment and reliable supplies of crude oil.

Kazakhstan will also need to ensure that increased production is matched by sufficient storage, transport infrastructure and export logistics.

The government's target is therefore ambitious, and actual export volumes will depend on how quickly the refinery projects are completed.

News National Verification

Confirmed: Kazakhstan expects to meet domestic petroleum-product demand fully by 2030 and potentially begin exporting refined products to Central Asia.

Current production: About 18.4 million tonnes of crude processed and 15.5 million tonnes of finished products in 2025.

Major expansion: Shymkent refinery capacity planned to double to 12 million tonnes.

Strategic goal: Domestic fuel security followed by regional exports.

Sources: Kazakhstan Energy Ministry statements; Interfax-Kazakhstan; Kazakh parliamentary reporting.

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