Kazakhstan, Astana, 22 April / Trend, D. Mukhtarov /
Oil and gas production declined in Kazakhstan in 2012, the Minister of Oil and Gas of the Republic of Kazakhstan Sayat Mynbayev said on Monday, speaking in the Majilis (lower chamber of the parliament) during the governmental hour.
"According to 2012 results, the production of oil and gas condensate decreased in comparison to 2011. This is due to natural processes, technical and geological factors on certain oil and gas fields as well as unplanned maintenance work undertaken by certain companies," Mynbaev said.
According to him, the decline in the overall level of production also affected the postponement of the commencement of commercial production at the Kashagan field in the first half of 2013.
"The Strategic Plan of the Ministry of Oil and Gas has set production volume for 2013 at 82 million tons. Overall, the figures for 2012 are comparable with the results of 2011. There is some decline in exports compared to the same period in 2011 due to reduced imports of Russian oil. As a result, part of the planned export volume is directed to the domestic market," the Minister said.
On the export side, according to Mynbayev, no significant changes have taken place.
"Compared to 2011, the production of oil products in demand in the domestic market, such as gasoline, diesel fuel and kerosene increased in 2012. There were certain difficulties with the loading of the Pavlodar oil refinery, as it is focused on Russian oil. However, in general, the refinery plan has been executed," he said.