Kazakhstan’s Oil & Gas Exports in 2024–2025: Crude Growth, Refined Products, and Strategic Shifts

Enerdealers Editorial

Kazakhstan remains one of Eurasia’s most strategically important energy exporters, supplying crude oil, natural gas, and refined petroleum products to regional and global markets. In 2024 and 2025, the country consolidated its export-oriented energy model, driven by increased upstream production, stable refining operations, and incremental diversification of export routes.

This article reviews crude oil, gas, diesel, and gasoline exports, highlights official export volumes and plans, and outlines the strategic implications for energy traders and market participants.

1. Crude Oil Export Performance

2024 Results

In 2024, Kazakhstan produced 87.7 million tonnes of oil and gas condensate, exporting 68.6 million tonnes of crude oil, equivalent to nearly 78 % of total production. Crude exports continued to rely heavily on pipeline infrastructure, particularly the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC), which links Kazakh fields to the Black Sea.

2025 Targets and Performance

For 2025, Kazakhstan planned crude oil exports of 70.5 million tonnes, reflecting expectations of higher production following expansion projects at major fields, especially Tengiz. Official updates during the year confirmed that export volumes were on track to meet — and in some months exceed — planned levels.

Table 1 – Kazakhstan Crude Oil Exports by Route

Export Route	2024 Volume (million tonnes)	Share of Total
Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC)	54.9	~80 %
Atyrau–Samara pipeline	8.8	~13 %
Atasu–Alashankou (China)	1.2	~2 %
Port of Aktau (Caspian Sea)	3.6	~5 %
Rail	0.05	<1 %
Total crude exports	68.6	100 %

Source: Ministry of Energy of Kazakhstan, Prime Minister’s Office

2. Natural Gas Production and Exports

Kazakhstan’s gas sector continued to expand in parallel with oil production. In 2024, natural gas output reached 59 billion cubic metres, broadly in line with government targets. Gas is used both for domestic consumption and for exports, primarily to neighboring markets and through transit agreements.

In 2025, gas production growth was supported by higher associated gas output from oil fields and ongoing investments in processing capacity. While export volumes of pipeline gas remain secondary to crude oil exports in value terms, gas exports play an increasingly important role in Kazakhstan’s regional energy diplomacy.

3. Diesel and Gasoline: Refined Products in Focus

While Kazakhstan is best known as a crude oil exporter, diesel fuel and motor gasoline represent critical components of its downstream sector and regional trade.

Production Structure

In 2024, Kazakhstan refined 17.9 million tonnes of crude oil, producing 14.5 million tonnes of petroleum products. Diesel and gasoline accounted for the largest shares of output, reflecting both domestic demand and export potential.

The oil refining plan for 2025 is 17.6 million tonnes, with petroleum product output of 14.6 million tonnes.

Table 2 – Petroleum Product Production in 2024

Product	Production Volume (million tonnes)
Motor gasoline	5.46
Diesel fuel	5.38
Fuel oil	1.99
Jet fuel	0.75
Bitumen	0.92
Total petroleum products	14.5

Source: Ministry of Energy of Kazakhstan

Exports vs Domestic Supply

Official government summaries do not publish disaggregated export volumes for gasoline and diesel separately. However, policy statements confirm that Kazakhstan prioritizes domestic market stability, exporting surplus volumes primarily to Central Asian neighbors and Afghanistan when domestic demand is satisfied.

In 2024–2025, export restrictions on certain fuel types were periodically adjusted to prevent shortages, particularly for diesel during agricultural seasons.

Table 5 – Diesel and Gasoline Production vs. Domestic Use (2024)

Product	Production (million tonnes)	Domestic Market	Export Status
Motor gasoline	5.46	Priority supply	Limited / surplus-only
Diesel fuel	5.38	Priority supply	Seasonal, regulated
Jet fuel	0.75	Mixed	Partial export
Fuel oil	1.99	Industrial	Regular export
Bitumen	0.92	Infrastructure	Minor export

Source: Ministry of Energy of Kazakhstan

During a period of time, Kazakhstan has officially banned the export of gasoline and diesel fuel by road and rail, according to a government decision that came into effect on January 29, 2025.

The restriction is outlined in amendments to the joint order “On Some Issues of Export of Oil Products from the Territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan,” which were approved by the Minister of Energy, the Chairman of the National Security Committee (KNB), and the Ministers of Finance and Internal Affairs.

However, the government has outlined several exceptions:

• Lubricating oils may still be exported.

• Fuel contained in vehicle gasoline tanks is permitted for export, provided it meets factory specifications.

• Aviation fuel may be exported for scientific research, additive testing, laboratory studies, and industrial production, subject to government approval.

• Petroleum products designated for humanitarian aid are exempt from the ban during the period from September 29, 2024, to March 29, 2025.

In addition to road transport, railway exports are also restricted, with limited exceptions. Gasoline exports within the framework of state-approved plans, as well as fuel deliveries for humanitarian aid and disaster relief efforts, will be permitted between February 1 and March 29 of 2025.

4. Export Infrastructure and Strategic Risks

Kazakhstan’s reliance on the CPC pipeline creates structural exposure to geopolitical and operational risks. In 2024–2025, authorities reiterated the need to strengthen alternative export corridors, including:

• Increased Caspian Sea shipments via Aktau.

• Incremental volumes routed toward China.

• Long-term interest in Trans-Caspian routes toward the Mediterranean.

These efforts aim to ensure continuity of exports for both crude oil and refined products in volatile market conditions.

5. Outlook for Energy Traders and Markets

For energy traders and market participants, Kazakhstan’s 2024–2025 performance highlights three key trends:

1. Crude oil exports remain the backbone of Kazakhstan’s energy economy.

2. Diesel and gasoline production is substantial, but exports are tightly regulated to protect domestic supply.

3. Infrastructure diversification is becoming a strategic priority, affecting routing, pricing differentials, and long-term contract structures.

As production capacity expands and export routes evolve, Kazakhstan will remain a critical supplier for Eurasian and global energy markets.

Key Takeaways for Energy Traders

• Crude oil exports are structurally dominant and highly transparent.

• Diesel and gasoline exports exist but are secondary, tightly regulated, and politically sensitive.

• Domestic supply security overrides export commitments for refined products.

• Fuel oil and bitumen are the most export-oriented refined products.

• Gas exports remain modest but strategically important regionally.

Sources

• Ministry of Energy of Kazakhstan, official 2024 results and 2025 plans

• Prime Minister’s Office of the Republic of Kazakhstan, energy sector reviews