Kazakhstan Oil Exports Disrupted by Attacks on Russian Terminal

Kazakhstan's oil exports are facing disruptions due to attacks on vessels carrying Kazakh crude at the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) terminal in Russia. The attacks occurred on July 17, 19, and 20, with four vessels targeted: Nordic Zenith, ASIA, NISSOS IOS, and NELSA.

The incidents raise concerns that civilian trade carrying Kazakh crude is being treated as part of Russia's war economy because it passes through a terminal on Russian territory. Kazakhstan's Foreign Ministry has called the attacks an infringement on its economic interests and a threat to lawful international trade, while also reserving the right to seek compensation under international law.

The CPC system, which carries roughly 1.5 million barrels of Kazakh crude per day, is not insulated from Russia but remains predominantly a Kazakh export system. The ownership structure includes Kazakh and Russian state-linked interests alongside multinational companies such as Chevron, ExxonMobil, Shell, Eni, and others.

The attacks have significant implications for European energy security, as Kazakhstan has become a crucial supplier of crude to the EU since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The EU has told The Times of Central Asia that Kazakhstan plays a vital role in European energy security and that Black Sea maritime safety supports European trade, supply chains, and connectivity.