Kazakhstan to Double Oil Refining Capacity by 2040

Kazakhstan aims to more than double its crude oil refining capacity by 2040, according to the Energy Ministry. Currently, the country has 18 million tons of annual oil refining capacity, and it plans to expand this to 29 million tons per year through enhancements to existing refineries. Additionally, a new major refinery is scheduled to be built, which will boost refining capacity by another 10 million tons per year.

This push will result in total refining capacity reaching 40 million tons annually, up from the current 18 million tons. The expansion is expected to enhance fuel output, improve domestic feedstock utilization efficiency, expand product range, reduce import reliance for certain products, and foster petrochemical industry growth.

Kazakhstan's fuel production was 15.47 million tons last year, surpassing the government's 2025-2040 target by 6.3%. This year, the nation anticipates producing slightly higher volumes, at 15.49 million tons. Earlier this year, Vice Minister of Energy Kaiyrkhan Tutkyshbayev revealed plans to commission a new refinery by 2033 to alleviate domestic fuel shortages and establish Kazakhstan as a net fuel exporter.

Despite pressure to export fuels to Russia amid the Russian fuel crisis sparked by Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian refineries, Kazakhstan has resisted thus far. This stance is attributed to fears of secondary sanctions for aiding Russia's war effort, and the country is currently dealing with record domestic demand this summer.