Kazakhstan: Vice Energy Minister Comments on Experts' Concerns Over Possible Diesel Shortage Amid Low Prices

Experts have voiced concerns that Kazakhstan could face a diesel fuel shortage due to persistently low prices, Orda.kz reports.

Responding, Vice Minister of Energy Sanzhar Zharkeshov said the government does not anticipate supply issues.

We have state regulation for certain types of fuel and lubricants, but overall the market is liberalized, especially for gasoline and diesel. The market regulates itself. Minister of Economy Zhumangarin has already commented on this issue in the context of neighboring countries. Therefore, we don’t anticipate such a situation, Zharkeshov said.

In terms of supply and demand, we’re in a very good position — around 400,000 tons of diesel fuel and 700,000 tons of gasoline combined. So we don’t see any problems.

The Ministry of Energy previously clarified that the recent freeze on gasoline prices does not imply a uniform national tariff but rather the maintenance of existing rates within each fuel retail chain.

Original Author: Artyom Volkov