Kazakhstan, Astana, Jan. 28 / Trend D. Mukhtarov /
Kazakh Prime Minister Serik Akhmetov instructed the Minister of Oil and Gas, Sauat Mynbayev to increase attention to the large oil projects at Tengiz, Karachaganak and Kashagan.
"There are a number of areas that need greater attention. Development of the industry in the short and medium term will depend on major projects. I am talking about Tengiz, Karachaganak and Kashagan. They will account for more than half of the total production of hydrocarbons. Taking this into consideration, the Ministry of Oil and Gas should pay special attention to the development of transportation infrastructure, including an increase in the capacity of existing pipelines and the opening of new supply routes for hydrocarbons to domestic and international markets," Serik Akhmetov said on Monday at the enlarged session of the Ministry of Oil and Gas.
According to him, it is necessary to pay special attention to environmental factors. In particular, the question of environmental risks has to be taken into consideration during implementation of these projects. In addition, the head of the Cabinet of Ministers mentioned the issue of mutual supplies of oil and gas between Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation.
"We are actively negotiating with Russia on a number of issues related to the mutual supply of oil and gas, the supply of Kazakh gas to the Orenburg refinery and supply of Russian oil to the Pavlodar Petrochemical Plant. It will be difficult and require a balanced approach. Further implementation of the Karachaganak project, its expansion will depend on their decision," Serik Akhmetov said.
Kazakh Prime Minister stated that "it is necessary to clearly understand and complete the negotiation process by the end of the first half of the year and subsequently provide maximum protection of the interests of the country."