28 april

If Europe refuses Russian oil, Kazakhstan may increase its export volume. At the same time, the resulting shortage of raw materials in the domestic market can be replaced by Russian oil. Energy Minister Bolat Akchulakov, in an exclusive interview with Atameken Visipess, said that such a scenario is quite possible, reports edition "SK News". “However, Kazakhstan needs to be careful with sanctions in this matter,” the head of the Ministry of Energy said.

Earlier this month, the Bloomberg news agency reported that Russia is ready to provide India with large discounts on direct oil sales against the background of international pressure and a decrease in demand for their raw materials. Then it was noted that Russia was offering India its flagship Urals grade of oil at a discount of up to $35 per barrel. Russian oil is now under American and British sanctions. And if it is abandoned throughout Europe, then, for sure, we will be able to buy Russian at a cheaper cost. And use it to provide for internal needs. In this case, our country will be able to sell Kazakh oil at the market price for export. The head of the Ministry of Energy answered whether the government is considering such an option for replenishing the budget.

“This is a good option. Here it is very necessary to be careful with sanctions simply. The idea, of course, is sound. There were such thoughts. There is a question of sanctions, that is, there is actually no sanctions on Russian oil today. What you just said. The energy market is not subject to sanctions. If it happens as you say, then we will start thinking,” said Bolat Akchulakov, Minister of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Meanwhile, the head of the Ministry of Energy said that the third berth at the CPC will be repaired. These works may be delayed until the end of May. Bolat Akchulakov believes that the repair work on the third berth will not interfere with the work of the consortium. Recall that the day before, the Ministry of Energy reported that the second berth at the CPC was fully operational.

Illustrative photo from open sources