Aqtobe Gas Pipeline Operator Fined Nearly KZT 1.1 Billion for Expired Environmental Permits

The Specialized Environmental Prosecutor’s Office of Aqtobe Region has fined the Aqtobe trunk gas pipeline division of “Intergas Central Asia” JSC nearly ₸1.1 billion for operating with expired environmental permits, Orda.kz reports.

Oil analyst Oleg Chervinsky highlighted the case on his Telegram channel, noting that prosecutors had been inspecting compliance with environmental regulations during the development of new wells at the Bozoy underground gas storage facility.

At the time of inspection, the environmental permits for two wells had expired, for which the trunk pipeline division was fined ₸20 million. However, since the delay is treated as operating without an environmental permit, the transfer of drilling waste and mud for disposal is considered the transfer of hazardous waste to third-party organizations. This violation carries a much heavier penalty — the total fine for the two wells amounted to nearly ₸1.1 billion, Chervinsky explained.

The Aqtobe branch of Intergas Central Asia has operated since 1997. The regional trunk gas pipeline division is wholly owned by the JSC, which in turn is 100% owned by the national company QazaqGaz.

Original Author: Nikita Drobny