Minister of Energy Yerlan Akkenzhenov at a government meeting chaired by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov highlighted a serious shortage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and outlined plans to modernise the industry. The head of the ministry systematically set out both the causes of the crisis and the proposed measures to overcome it.
According to the data presented, with the ministry distributing 130 thousand tonnes of LPG monthly across the regions, the actual demand stands at 155-160 thousand tonnes, creating a deficit of 23%. The sharp rise in demand is driven by an increase in the number of vehicles with gas cylinder equipment (LPG kits) - over the past year, the number of such cars rose by 16% and reached 677 thousand units.
The situation is worsened by the significant difference in fuel costs between Kazakhstan and neighbouring countries. Low wholesale prices within the country are prompting a mass shift to gas among drivers in border regions and creating conditions for smuggling.
Alongside analysing the current situation, the minister outlined strategic directions for the industry's development. In the gas sector, the process of digitalisation has begun - from the start of 2025, subsoil users are required to install modern metering devices with telemetry at fields. It is reported that system testing is already underway at facilities of KazMunayGas.
The LPG distribution system is also undergoing digital transformation. Since December last year, the process of allocating gas volumes to regions has been automated, and by the end of this year, it is planned to introduce a corresponding digital service at the level of local executive bodies.
An important part of the address were legislative innovations. The draft amendments include introducing consumption standards for the population, installing 'smart' meters, fixing long-term prices for the chemical industry, and optimising the transfer of infrastructure to the national operator QazaqGaz.
It is noted that the measures are aimed at the sustainable development of the gas industry, improving resource management efficiency, and ensuring fair access to energy resources. It is worth emphasising that Akkenzhenov clearly outlined both the acute challenges facing the industry and the specific mechanisms to address them, which suggests a considered approach to the proposed solutions.