The Ministry of Energy of Kazakhstan has proposed amendments to a joint directive with the National Security Committee, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Ministry of Finance, introducing restrictions on the export of petroleum products. This draft regulation, available for public consultation until December 10, 2024, on the "Open NPA" portal, will come into force on January 1, 2025, for a six-month period.
Key Restrictions
The export ban will apply to:
- Light distillates,
- Aviation kerosene and diesel fuel,
- Gas oils, toluene, xylene, and bitumen.
Exceptions:
- Petroleum products transported in vehicle fuel tanks as designed by manufacturers,
- Aviation fuel for research and testing purposes,
- Products designated as humanitarian aid by the government.
Reasons for Restrictions
-
Fuel Consumption Surge: Abnormal increases in the consumption of AI-92 gasoline and diesel fuel have reduced stockpiles significantly. From January to October 2024:
- Gasoline reserves dropped from 453,000 to 295,000 tons,
- Diesel reserves decreased from 554,000 to 279,000 tons.
-
Illicit Exports: Authorities reported "gray" exports reaching 10,000–45,000 tons monthly due to price differences with neighboring countries (17–166% higher).
Expected Outcomes
The ban aims to:
- Increase refinery utilization rates,
- Stabilize domestic fuel supply,
- Strengthen control over exports and support national security.
Context
Similar measures were previously implemented in 2023 and 2024, such as bans on diesel, aviation fuel, and other petroleum products to combat shortages and crises.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
November 29, 2024