Atyrau refinery to face comprehensive inspection within 7-10 days over pollution

September 7, 2026 at 03:00 PM1 min

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Atyrau Oil Refinery will undergo a comprehensive inspection within 7-10 days, Atyrau Region Ecology Department head Askar Zhusipov said at a briefing. The inspection follows confirmed exceedances of maximum permissible concentrations of aromatic hydrocarbons at night. Residents have complained of smog and a persistent unpleasant odor, especially at night and in the morning.

Key Facts

Atyrau Oil Refinery will undergo a comprehensive inspection within 7-10 days, announced Atyrau Region Ecology Department head Askar Zhusipov.
Nighttime laboratory tests confirmed exceedances of maximum permissible concentrations of aromatic hydrocarbons by several times.
The refinery was fined 520 million tenge in January for violations and is currently challenging the decision in court.
The Ecology Department demands the refinery shorten its environmental efficiency program deadline from 2036 to 2030.
The issuance of a comprehensive environmental permit for the refinery is suspended pending review.

Pollution Findings

Residents of Atyrau have complained of smog and a persistent unpleasant odor, especially at night and in the morning. Laboratory studies confirmed nighttime exceedances of aromatic hydrocarbons by several times. The Atyrau Oil Refinery was named the main source of the odor and emissions. Wind carries pollutants directly onto residential areas, with daytime speeds of 20–30 m/s but nighttime calm of 0–5 m/s causing pollutants to accumulate over the city.

Inspection and Enforcement

A large-scale comprehensive inspection will begin at the refinery within 7-10 days, involving independent experts, technologists, ecologists, and sanitary-epidemiological service specialists. In January, the refinery was fined 520 million tenge for violations following a similar inspection. The refinery is currently challenging that fine in court. The Ecology Department insists the refinery shorten its environmental efficiency program deadline from 2036 to 2030. The process of issuing a comprehensive environmental permit for the refinery is suspended, with documents under review.