Kazakhstan proposes 45% refined-product quota for mini-refineries to curb export losses

September 25, 2026 at 12:45 PM2 min

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Kazakhstan's Energy Ministry has drafted amendments requiring mini-refineries to produce at least 45% of in-demand oil products to qualify for state crude supply schedules. The ministry estimates annual budget losses at 50–60 billion tenge from exports of semi-finished products. The amendments have been approved by the government and will be submitted to parliament.

Key Facts

Kazakhstan's Energy Ministry estimates annual budget losses at 50–60 billion tenge from exports of semi-finished oil products.
In 2025, 22 Kazakh mini-refineries processed 898,000 tonnes of oil and produced 873,000 tonnes of products.
The proposed amendments require mini-refineries to produce at least 45% of in-demand oil products to be included in the ministry's oil supply schedule.
The amendments have been approved at a government meeting and will be submitted to parliament.

Proposed Requirements

The Energy Ministry has drafted amendments that would require mini-refineries to produce at least 45% of in-demand oil products. Compliance with this requirement would allow enterprises to be included in the ministry's oil supply schedule. The amendments have been agreed upon at a government meeting and are now set for parliamentary consideration. The ministry aims to increase output of quality fuel and reduce exports of semi-finished products.

Budget Losses

The ministry estimates that annual uncollected budget revenues amount to 50–60 billion tenge. These losses stem from the lost added value that could have been created domestically through production of gasoline, diesel, bitumen, and other oil products. Current legislation does not prohibit mini-refineries from exporting products whose export is not restricted by the energy minister's order.

Production Constraints

In 2025, 22 Kazakh mini-refineries processed 898,000 tonnes of oil and produced 873,000 tonnes of products. The absence of secondary processing units and the sulfur content in feedstock prevent mini-refinery output from meeting K-4 and K-5 motor fuel standards. The ministry notes that product quality varies depending on each plant's technological configuration and production passport.