Kazakhstan plans a fourth major oil refinery by 2033
Kazakhstan's Ministry of Energy plans to commission a new refinery with capacity of up to 10 million tonnes a year by 2033 and to choose its location by the end of 2026.
Kazakhstan plans to build a fourth major oil refinery, with the Ministry of Energy aiming to commission it by 2033 and to choose its location by the end of 2026. The latest statement came from Daulet Arykbayev, Director of the ministry's Oil Transportation and Refining Department, at the KIOGE 2026 oil and gas exhibition in Almaty on 2 October.
Project details
The new refinery would have a capacity of up to 10 million tonnes of oil per year. Four regions are under review for its location: Ulytau, Atyrau, Mangystau and Turkestan. The ministry says it is premature to name a final investment figure.
The numbers
Kazakhstan currently has three major refineries — Atyrau, Pavlodar and Shymkent — with combined capacity of about 17.5-18 million tonnes a year. Together with expansions of the existing plants, total capacity is to rise to about 27.7-28.8 million tonnes, with a national target of roughly 40 million tonnes a year by 2033.
Why it matters
Kazakhstan aims to end domestic fuel shortages and become a net fuel exporter. Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov said at a 23 September government meeting: "Expanding oil refining capacity is directly linked to the attractiveness of fuel prices in the domestic market."
