Astana, Kazakhstan, Sept.22
By Daniyar Mukhtarov - Trend:
Kazakhstan would be better to increase the capacity of one of the three operating refineries, rather than constructing a new one, CEO of the KazEnergy Association, Asset Magauov said.
"Currently, the deficit of petroleum products is equal to one million metric tons, which we cover with the import from Russia. Why should we construct the fourth refinery when small refineries with the capacity of less than five million metric tons are uncompetitive," Asset Magauov told Trend.
He said the state program on modernization of three major refineries in the country is expected to be completed in 2016, adding that it is planned to increase the total processing capacity from 13 million metric tons to 18 million metric tons.
"That's to say, two years later, after completing the modernization of the three refineries, we will be able to independently meet the demands of the domestic market," Magauov said.
At the same time, he said the experts expect significant increase in the consumption of fuels and lubricants in the country by 2025.
"The government has examined this issue. In the case of increase in the consumption of petroleum products in Kazakhstan, it is possible to expand one of the three operating refineries," Magauov said.
"One pins hopes on the Shymkent plant (South Kazakhstan), as the reserve was made in the Soviet period that there will be a plant with more capacity," he said. "KazMunaiGas National Company examines the potential volumes that can be obtained at this refinery."
Three large plants, namely, the Pavlodar plant - in the north, the Shymkent plant - in the south and the Atyrau plant - in the west, with total processing capacity of 13 million metric tons of oil per year, operate in Kazakhstan.