Galymzhan Zhusanbayev to Continue Managing Atyrau Oil Refinery

KazMunayGas has extended Galymzhan Zhusanbaev's contract as General Director of the Atyrau Oil Refinery for at least two more months, according to company sources who spoke with Orda.kz.

 Galymzhan Zhusanbaev was left in the position of general director until spring, one source confirmed.

The extension comes after a complicated year under Zhusanbayev's leadership and unconfirmed rumors of his resignation in December.

His tenure has been marked by controversies, including a protracted dispute with engineering staff that led to his resignation and subsequent court-ordered reinstatement.

The refinery also faced operational challenges, struggling to reach full capacity due to issues with its critical delayed coking unit.

Zhusanbayev's original contract expired on January 10, 2025, amid a significant gasoline spill incident. 

While staff contained the incident, Zhusanbayev reportedly attended a meeting with the Vice Minister of Energy.

The incident prompted the Atyrau Region Department of Ecology to announce an upcoming inspection.

Original Author: Nikita Drobny