Kazakhstan's oil refining up 5.4%, petroleum product output down 6% in Jan-Apr

ASTANA. May 28 (Interfax) - Energy Minister Almasadam Satkaliyev announced that Kazakhstan processed 5.9 million tonnes of oil in January-April, a 5.4% increase over the same period in 2023.

"Oil refining reached 5.9 million tonnes in the first four months of this year, a 5.4% increase compared to last year. Production of petroleum products totaled 4.28 million tonnes, 6% less than the same period last year," Satkaliyev said during a government meeting on Tuesday.

Minister Satkaliyev attributed the decline in petroleum product production, particularly in fuel oil, to prioritizing bitumen production.

Diesel fuel reserves across oil refineries, depots, and railways currently total 612,000 tonnes (a 38-day supply); AI-92 gasoline stocks are at 352,000 tonnes (30 days), and AI-95 stocks are at 86,000 tonnes (30 days).

"There are plans to increase petroleum product production by expanding the Aktau bitumen plant from 1 to 1.5 million tonnes, the Shymkent oil refinery from 6 to 12 million tonnes, the Atyrau oil refinery from 5.5 to 6.7 million tonnes, and the Pavlodar Petrochemical Plant from 5.5 to 8 million tonnes," Satkaliyev said.