In Shymkent, long queues have formed at automobile gas filling stations (AGFS) due to a shortage of liquefied gas. Residents have been unable to refuel their cars without waiting for hours for several days.
WHAT IS HAPPENING AT THE PETROL STATIONS
According to residents, gas is only available at a few AGFS, so hundreds of cars are converging there. As a result, queues are forming, which in some cases extend beyond the stations, and waiting times reach several hours, reports Ulysmedia.kz.
"I've been waiting for 4.5 hours already. There's no gas elsewhere, so everyone comes here. At least there's some here. If there is, they fill up; if not, they tell you straight away," said one driver.
Residents also note that the current situation is causing frustration: cars are sitting idle, and work plans are being disrupted. According to drivers, a similar situation occurs every year, especially during the off-season — in spring and autumn.
REASONS FOR THE SHORTAGE
The city administration reported that the fuel shortage is due to repair work at the gas processing plant of the company PetroKazakhstan, which began on 27 March.
During the plant's shutdown, supplies of liquefied gas are being delivered from Aktobe by rail.
"Due to delays in the delivery of these rail cars, there is a slight shortage in Shymkent. Requests for additional volumes have been sent to the Ministry of Energy, and letters have also been sent to 'Kazakhstan Temir Zholy' to speed up deliveries. Work is ongoing," said Yerbolat Mamyrkhan, head of the Department of Energy and Infrastructure Development of Shymkent.
TIMELINE FOR RESOLVING THE PROBLEM
The city administration claims the situation should stabilise within five days. Efforts to supply the city with fuel continue.