QazaqGaz sees Kazakh gas imports from Russia rising in 2026
This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.
QazaqGaz, Kazakhstan's state gas company, expects gas imports from Russia to increase in 2026 due to reduced domestic production. The company cited force majeure at the Tengiz field, drone attacks on the Orenburg gas processing plant, and rising domestic consumption. QazaqGaz has a contract to buy up to 6 billion cubic meters of Russian gas in 2026 at a fixed ruble price.
Import Drivers
QazaqGaz told Kursiv that higher Russian gas imports in 2026 stem from force majeure at the Tengiz field early in the year, reduced processing of Karachaganak gas at the Orenburg plant due to drone attacks, and planned maintenance across Kazakh fields. Domestic consumption is also rising. The company declined to disclose import values, citing commercial confidentiality.
Contract Terms
Under a contract with Gazprom Export, QazaqGaz is committed to buying up to 6 billion cubic meters of Russian gas in 2026. The price is fixed for the contract duration, with monthly payments in rubles. In 2025, Kazakhstan imported 6 billion cubic meters from Russia at $107.44 per thousand cubic meters, while exporting 2.2 billion cubic meters to Russia at $19.85 per thousand cubic meters.
Export Flows
QazaqGaz has a three-year agreement with PetroChina International to supply 3.5-4.5 billion cubic meters annually to China via the Kazakhstan-China pipeline. In January-April 2026, exports to China totaled 310.5 million cubic meters at $122.57 per thousand cubic meters, down from 1.4 billion cubic meters in the same period of 2025. QazaqGaz's net profit in 2025 was 271 billion tenge, down from 289 billion tenge in 2024.
Mobile App for Gas Meter Readings
QazaqGaz launched the mobile application "QAZAQGAZ AIMAQ" for remote submission and monitoring of gas meter readings. The app aims to save time and simplify access to services for consumers.
What's Next
Kazakhstan's gas balance will depend on Tengiz output recovery and Orenburg plant repairs. It remains unclear whether domestic production can meet rising demand without further import increases.
2 sources
QazaqGaz sees Kazakh gas imports from Russia rising in 2026
