Kyrgyzstan has officially approached Kazakhstan with a request to consider the possibility of supplying fuel and lubricants. The request is under consideration, and a decision will be made taking into account Kazakhstan's national interests.
WHAT IS KNOWN ABOUT THE REQUEST
According to Kazakhstan's Vice Minister of Energy, Kairkhan Tutkyshbaev, the Kyrgyz side has sent an official request for the supply of fuel and lubricants. The appeal is currently being reviewed by the government of Kazakhstan.
According to the Vice Minister, the request does not specify a particular volume of supplies. Kyrgyzstan simply asked for the possibility of fuel delivery to be considered.
WHAT CONDITIONS WERE STATED BY THE MINISTRY
Kairkhan Tutkyshbaev stated that the decision will be made with regard to Kazakhstan's national interests and the domestic balance of the fuel and lubricants market.
He also said that even if the request is granted, it will not lead to an increase in fuel prices within the country. According to him, an official response to the Kyrgyz side will be prepared shortly.
WHAT WAS REPORTED ABOUT THE FUEL SITUATION
The Vice Minister noted that no official appeals from the Russian Federation regarding fuel supplies had been received by the Ministry of Energy.
Furthermore, he stated that, according to the Ministry's assessment, the fuel situation in Kazakhstan remains stable, with no shortage observed.
WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THE MARKET
Earlier, a government meeting discussed the situation on the domestic fuel and lubricants market and measures to prevent the illegal export of fuel.
Minister of Internal Affairs Yerzhan Sadenov reported that since the start of the year, 593 attempts to export petroleum products, totalling over 40,000 litres, have been stopped at vehicle checkpoints. To strengthen control in border areas, the number of staff involved in inspections has been increased.
According to him, in just two days, border guards prevented 61 attempts to illegally export fuel. Over 3 tonnes of fuel and lubricants were being transported in additional fuel tanks and canisters.
In addition, state revenue authorities are analysing the activities of 62 petrol stations and 22 mini-refineries.
CONTEXT
According to Reuters, citing industry sources, Russia is considering the possibility of importing around 50,000 tonnes of AI-92 petrol from Kazakhstan amid a reduction in its own fuel production. This option is being discussed as one of the measures to alleviate the fuel shortage on the domestic market.
At the same time, Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov previously stated that Kazakhstan had not received an official appeal from the Russian side regarding petrol supplies.
