Kazakhstan tightens border controls to curb illegal fuel exports

Kazakhstan has stepped up efforts to combat the illegal export of fuel by introducing a package of border control measures, including new restrictions on the entry of vehicles from neighboring countries.

Speaking at a government briefing, Vice Minister of Energy Kaiyrkhan Tutkyshbayev outlined the measures, Caliber.Az reports, citing Kazakh media.

Tutkyshbayev said one of the key restrictions currently in force limits both passenger and freight vehicles from neighboring states to a single entry into Kazakhstan per day.

"A measure is currently in effect under which passenger and freight vehicles from neighboring countries may enter the territory of Kazakhstan no more than once per day," he said.

The vice minister noted that the authorities are placing particular emphasis on preventing the so-called "grey" export of fuel through illegal cross-border schemes.

"Our main focus is identifying vehicles equipped with additional fuel tanks that are used for the “grey” export of fuel. This work is being carried out jointly by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Financial Monitoring Agency, the Border Service, and customs authorities," Tutkyshbayev said.

He added that law enforcement agencies regularly identify individuals attempting to smuggle fuel out of the country in Kazakhstan's border regions.

"Today, a comprehensive set of measures is in place to prevent the “grey” export of fuel and lubricants from Kazakhstan," the vice minister concluded.

By Vafa Guliyeva