Kazakhstan Seeks Alternative Export Route Through Azerbaijan

Kazakhstan's oil companies are exploring an alternative export route to reduce their dependence on Russia. The initiative comes after Ukrainian drone attacks disrupted Kazakhstan's exports through the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) pipeline.

Major oil companies operating in Kazakhstan, including Chevron, ExxonMobil, Eni, Shell, and TotalEnergies, are analyzing a Trans-Caspian route through Azerbaijan to transport crude oil to Europe without transiting Russia. The project would link the oil hub of Atyrau to the port of Aktau, from where crude oil would reach Baku, Azerbaijan.

The feasibility study examines the construction of an underwater pipeline or a substantial expansion of the tanker fleet. The targeted capacity could reach 35 million tons annually, with results due to be presented to shareholders in November.