Kazakhstan has decided to reduce import customs duties on petroleum, oil and lubricants (POL) to zero in order to stimulate supplies from third countries, primarily from China. At the same time, the country maintains restrictions on fuel exports to prevent shortages on the domestic market.
WHY THE DECISION WAS MADE
As reported by Vice Minister of Trade and Integration Zhanel Kushukova at a briefing in the Senate, the decision is being made within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Commission, according to Ulysmedia.kz.
According to her, reducing import customs duties to zero is aimed at stimulating the import of fuel from third countries. This primarily concerns supplies from China.
HOW THE DOMESTIC MARKET WILL BE SECURED
Zhanel Kushukova stated that restrictions on fuel exports continue to be in effect in Kazakhstan. According to her, such measures are already being applied and are extended every 6 months.
When asked about the possible volumes of fuel supplies from China, the Vice Minister replied that only the volume necessary for the domestic market would be brought into the country.
She also noted that import customs duty rates depend on the global price of oil and are calculated using a special formula. Following the decision, the duty will be reduced to 0%.
WHAT THE DECISION IS LINKED TO
As Zhanel Kushukova reported, a potential shortage of petrol and aviation fuel is being considered against the backdrop of drone attacks on Russian oil refineries.
CONTEXT
Earlier, it was reported that Russia is considering the possibility of importing around 50 thousand tonnes of AI-92 petrol from Kazakhstan amid a reduction in its own fuel production. According to Reuters, citing industry sources, this option is being discussed as one of the measures to reduce fuel shortages on the domestic market.
At the same time, the Minister of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Yerlan Akkenzhenov, stated that Kazakhstan had not received an official request from the Russian side regarding petrol supplies.
Furthermore, it is noted that in July 2026, Kazakhstan may face a shortage of aviation fuel due to increased demand, repairs at the Atyrau oil refinery, and a reduction in imports from Russia.
