Kazakhstan restores oil output after CPC disruptions

Kazakhstan has restored oil production to stable levels after output was reduced earlier due to disruptions involving the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC), the country’s Energy Ministry told Interfax.

“At present, the country’s oil production remains at a stable level, and no decline in oil volumes is being observed,” the ministry said in response to an inquiry from the agency.

The ministry recalled that oil production at Kazakhstan’s major fields fell below planned levels in July following the suspension of shipments through the CPC.

Tankers operating in the vicinity of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) marine terminal were previously subjected to repeated UAV attacks. Between July 17 and 20, the vessels Nelsa, Asia, Nissos Ios, and Nordic Zenith were targeted in separate incidents.

On July 20, the consortium announced the suspension of oil loadings at the marine terminal and subsequently halted the intake of crude into the pipeline system. The disruption compelled Kazakhstan to curtail oil production amid the interruption to export operations.

On July 27, Kazakhstan’s Energy Ministry announced that oil transportation through the Tengiz–Novorossiysk pipeline had resumed, along with crude oil loadings at the marine terminal.

On July 30, the Caspian Pipeline Consortium was forced to suspend oil loadings once again after the Marshall Islands-flagged tanker Nissos Sifnos came under attack and caught fire while undergoing loading operations. The vessel was carrying a cargo consigned by Tengizchevroil LLP.

The same day, the Isle of Man-flagged tanker Marathi, which was approaching the CPC marine terminal to take on crude, was also targeted in an attack approximately six nautical miles from the facility.

By Vafa Guliyeva