Kazakhstan oil output falls 8.4% in first half of 2026
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Kazakhstan's oil production fell 8.4% year-on-year to 45.7 million tonnes in January-June 2026, Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov said on Tuesday. Gas output dropped 4.1% to 31.4 billion cubic meters. The decline was driven by planned maintenance and deteriorating ore quality, according to officials.
Production Decline
Oil output in Kazakhstan fell to 45.7 million tonnes in the first half of 2026, down 8.4% from the same period last year, Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov told a government meeting. Gas production dropped 4.1% to 31.4 billion cubic meters. The minister attributed the decline to planned maintenance and a gradual deterioration of the mineral resource base, according to Kursiv.kz.
Mitigation Measures
To offset the shortfall, Kazakhstan has rescheduled planned maintenance at the Kashagan field, which is expected to compensate up to 2 million tonnes of oil, Akkenzhenov said. Total national losses have been reduced from 4.9 million tonnes to 3.3 million tonnes. The government is also in talks with major subsoil users on measures to boost output.
Annual Forecast
The Energy Ministry maintains its 2026 oil production forecast at 98 million tonnes, Akkenzhenov said. Gas output is projected at 64.5 billion cubic meters for the year. Separately, metallurgical production fell 2.7% in the first half, Minister of Industry Yersaiyn Nagaspayev reported, citing planned repairs and declining ore quality.
What's Next
The government will continue negotiations with major oil producers on output increases in the coming months. It remains unclear whether the Kashagan maintenance rescheduling will fully offset the production losses by year-end.
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Kazakhstan oil output falls 8.4% in first half of 2026
