Kazakhstan wants to bypass Russia to export its oil
Kazakhstan’s president has ordered his government to find new routes to export oil through Russia after the two neighbors clashed over Ukraine.
During a meeting of his government, President of the Republic Kassym-Jomart Togayev announced the establishment of a new export route for Kazakh crude oil through the Caspian Sea. “priority”. He also ordered his government “Taking Action to Increase Capacity” According to the Kazakh president, some sections of the pipeline will carry oil to China.
The idea of a Trans-Caspian pipeline kept coming up, but it never came to fruition, and Russia did not see the project in the best light.
Currently, three-quarters of Kazakh oil is exported through a pipeline to the Russian port of Novorossiysk on the Black Sea.
However, these exports have been halted twice since Moscow’s offensive in Ukraine began in late February, which many observers suspect the Kremlin wants to pressure Russia’s traditional ally Kazakhstan for its neutrality in the conflict. These interruptions were officially justified in March and June by storm damage and the dangers associated with the presence of mines during World War II.
The third disruption this week came after a Russian court ordered a 30-day halt to oil deliveries through the 1,500-kilometer pipeline, citing violations of environmental standards.
The consortium that operates the pipeline has appealed, temporarily suspending the court ruling, the Kazakh energy minister announced Thursday. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said “Impossible” It underscores that the Russian court’s decision is tied to political considerations “Want additional contacts” with Kazakhstan.
To strengthen energy cooperation with the European Union, Mr. The latter also seeks to reduce dependence on Russian hydrocarbons, Togayev pledged this week. Last month, the Kazakh president stunned an economic forum in St. Petersburg by saying he would not recognize pro-Russian separatist organizations in Ukraine as states.
“Web specialist. Infuriatingly humble coffee ninja. Wannabe zombie advocate. Subtly charming tv fanatic. Avid social media scholar.”