BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 18
By Nargiz Sadikhova - Trend:
Kazakhstan oil refineries were switched to operate at the minimum technological mode, Kazakhstan’s Vice Minister of Energy Asset Magauov said, Trend reports with reference to the ministry.
He said that the refineries were switched to the minimum technological mode in order to avoid overstock of products. Taking into consideration easing of quarantine regime in the country increase in petroleum product consumption could be observed in the future, Magauov said.
“Talking the sale of diesel fuel, currently there are no problems, Consumption of diesel fuel is at the appropriate level since the spring field work is currently underway,” Magauov said.
He also noted that refining volume in Kazakhstan do not depend on overall oil output as much as it depends on offer and demand on the local petroleum products market.
“Overall, we forecast that the refining plan will amount to 17 million tons in 2020,” Magauov said.
Magauov also added that Kazakhstan is planning to export 230,000 tons of oil to China in May 2020.
“Export volume to China has indeed become an interesting aspect, given the decline in export prices when exporting to Europe and companies increased applying for export permit to China. According to our forecasts, the export volume increased from 50,000 tons in April to 230,000 tons in May,” he said.
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