Kazakhstan’s oil production slips after accident at TPP in Mangystau

Daily oil production has decreased by almost 10 per cent in Kazakhstan for four days.

The decline came after the accident at the thermal power plant (TPP) of the Mangystau Atomic Energy Combine (MAEK) in the oil-rich Mangystau region (western Kazakhstan), Prime reports, citing data from the Information and Analytical Center for Oil and Gas of Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Energy.

According to the regional authorities, on August 11, two power units were forced to shut down at MAEK TPP. Because of this, power generation at MAEK decreased from 545 megawatts to 245 megawatts. The regional authority has imposed limits on electricity supply in the Mangystau area, which mostly impacted industrial establishments.

According to the centre’s data, 209,300 tonnes of oil and gas condensate were produced in Kazakhstan on August 14, while before the accident - August 10 - daily production was 232,000 tonnes.

On August 14, the Energy Ministry press service reported that due to disruptions at energy sources, oil production was decreasing in the Mangystau region, which in turn will affect the output forecast for the rest of the year.

"The forecast of oil production for 2023, taking into account the fact for seven months and plans, is 99.4% of the plan of 90.5 million tons," the press service of the Ministry of Energy said.

In early July, an accident also occurred at the facilities of the Mangystau Atomic Energy Combine in Kazakhstan, which led to voltage spikes in the power system of Western Kazakhstan with mass disconnections of consumers in the region.