Floods force over 600 oil production wells to suspend operation in Kazakhstan, losses estimated at 16,000 tonnes

ASTANA. April 18 (Interfax) - Kazakhstan's Ministry of Energy has announced substantial oil production setbacks, with losses reaching approximately 16,000 tonnes due to floods ravaging the Aktobe and Atyrau regions.

"Due to flooding in the Aktobe and Atyrau regions, operations at 634 wells were suspended, resulting in a total loss of 16,000 tonnes of oil production," the press service of the Ministry of Energy said.

The department's latest update said that 141 wells are now back in operation. However, production remains suspended at 493 wells. Of these, 489 wells are located in the Aktobe region, including 440 wells belonging to CNPC-Aktobemunaigas JSC, 25 wells owned by KMK Munai JSC, and 24 wells belonging to Ada Oil LLP. Additionally, four wells suspended operations in the Atyrau region, including three wells belonging to Embamunaigas JSC and one to 5A Oil LLP.

The Ministry of Energy also outlined the ongoing measures to mitigate the impact of the floods, including the use of pumping equipment and units to remove water, backfilling with soil, as well as de-energizing, and sealing wells.