(6 February 2026 | Source: National Business Kazakhstan)
Shell Plc is temporarily suspending new investments in Kazakh projects amid large-scale legal proceedings involving foreign oil companies. The company's management directly linked its investment decisions to rising legal risks.
The corporation's position was stated by its Chief Executive Wael Sawan during a conference call following the reporting period.
WHAT CLAIMS IS KAZAKHSTAN MAKING
According to National Business Kazakhstan citing Bloomberg, Kazakhstan is demanding compensation from several Western oil companies as part of a series of proceedings both in the country's courts and in international arbitration.
The disputes relate to the fulfilment of contractual obligations, including issues concerning the use of sulphur and project costs.
THE COURT RULING
This month, it emerged that Shell and its partners lost one of the disputes. As a result, the consortium may have to pay up to $4 billion. The parties retain the right to appeal the decision.
Other legal proceedings are ongoing.
THE COMPANY'S RESPONSE
The head of Shell Plc, Wael Sawan, stated that the current situation directly affects the company's investment plans in the country.
"This certainly affects our desire to invest further in Kazakhstan," Sawan noted.