Kazakhstan continues to increase the volume of oil transportation via alternative export routes. In January–August 2026, the export of Kazakh oil to China via the Atasu-Alashankou oil pipeline reached 863 thousand tons, which is 24% more than the same figure in 2025. In total, 7.6 million tons of oil were pumped in this direction, which is 3% more than last year’s level, Kursiv.kz reports.
At the same time, the importance of the Caspian route is growing. In January-August, 2.4 million tons of oil were loaded into tankers through the port of Aktau, an increase of 6%. At the same time, the volume of transshipment in the direction of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline increased by 12% and reached 1 million tons.
In general, KazTransOil transported 31.9 million tons of oil and petroleum products over eight months, 4% more than a year earlier. 12.1 million tons of oil were sent to Kazakhstani refineries.
The increase in supplies to China and through the Caspian shows Kazakhstan's desire to reduce dependence on traditional export routes. This is especially relevant against the backdrop of ongoing risks around the Caspian Pipeline Consortium, through which the bulk of Kazakhstan’s oil exports pass. The Chinese route gives Kazakhstan a stable eastern market, while the Aktau-BTC route expands access to world markets through the Caucasus and Turkey. Such diversification strengthens Astana's negotiating position and increases the sustainability of its energy exports.
CentralAsianLIGHT.org
September 9, 2026