Kazakhstan plans 31% oil export increase via Turkish pipeline

Kazakhstan's national oil and gas company, KazMunayGas, intends to boost its oil exports through the pipeline terminating in the Turkish city of Ceyhan by 31% this year. The company announced plans to supply 1.7 million tons of oil via this route by the end of 2026.

This strategic move involves diverting a portion of Kazakhstan's oil exports from the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (KTC) system. Kaztransoil, Kazakhstan's national pipeline company, previously stated that the country had agreed to reroute some oil away from the KTC, which delivers to Russian ports on the Black Sea. The KTC has faced service interruptions in the past due to drone attacks.

The Ceyhan pipeline, operational since 2006, spans 1,768 kilometers and traverses Azerbaijan and Georgia, originating from the Caspian Sea. This alternative route offers greater security and reliability for Kazakhstan's energy exports.

Kazakh authorities recently acknowledged plans to increase the capacity of their two pipelines connecting to China. This decision also stems from concerns over drone attacks targeting infrastructure and oil-loading vessels in the Black Sea, highlighting Kazakhstan's efforts to secure its energy export routes amidst regional instability.