Kazakhstan Seeks Diversification Amid Pipeline Disruptions

Kazakhstan's oil export strategy is facing growing pressure to diversify after disruptions to its main pipeline, the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC), resulted in nearly 3.5 million tonnes of lost production.

According to Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov, the country's decision to cut its 2026 oil production target from 98 million tonnes to 96 million tonnes was a result of attacks on CPC facilities in January and July.

The minister emphasized that Kazakhstan needs to strengthen alternative export routes, particularly through the Baku-Supsa pipeline, which has a capacity of 5 million tonnes. Akkenzhenov noted that redirecting volumes through this route could have prevented some of the lost production.