Kazakhstan Denies Reports of Full CPC Shutdown

Kazakhstan’s Energy Ministry has responded to reports about the Caspian Pipeline Consortium’s operations following drone attacks on oil tankers, Orda.kz reports, citing ministry spokesperson and adviser to the minister Assel Serikpayeva.

The ministry said several media outlets had reported that CPC operations could be suspended completely.

That scenario is not being considered. On July 31, CPC temporarily suspended operation of the oil pipeline,the ministry said.

However, CPC continues to receive oil from producers and fill its storage tanks.

Beginning August 1, oil intake stands at 100,000 tons per day. Any further increase in transportation volumes will depend on tankers arriving at the marine terminal on schedule,Serikpayeva said.

The ministry added that it remains in contact with CPC and oil producers and is monitoring the situation.

Shipowners have reportedly been reluctant to send tankers to the CPC terminal near Novorossiysk following attacks on vessels. Experts have warned that Kazakhstan may have to reduce oil production if export capacity remains constrained.

CPC resumed receiving and loading Kazakh oil at its Novorossiysk terminal in late July. Two tankers near the terminal were attacked again overnight on July 30.

Original author: Rimma Karatayeva

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