Kazakhstan could import gas during 38-day maintenance at Kashagan field

ASTANA. Sept 25 (Interfax) - Kazakhstan could import gas from neighboring countries during scheduled maintenance at the Kashagan field, which will last for 38 days, the Energy Ministry said.

"Due to the overhaul at the Kashagan field, the oil and gas processing complex will be shut down for 38 calendar days. This maintenance period has been accounted for in Kazakhstan's gas balance, and if a gas shortage arises in the domestic market during this time, we will import gas from neighboring countries," it said.

The maintenance at the Kashagan oil and gas field is set to begin on October 3.

The Kashagan field is one of the world's largest oil fields discovered in recent decades. Its recoverable reserves range from 9 to 13 billion barrels of oil. Commercial production at Kashagan started in 2016. In 2023, Kashagan produced 18.8 million tonnes of crude oil.

The shareholders of NCOC, the operator of the Kashagan field, are KMG Kashagan B.V. (16.877%), Shell (SPB: RDS.A) Kazakhstan Development B.V. (16.807%), Total EP Kazakhstan (16.807%), AgipCaspian Sea B.V. (16.807%), ExxonMobil Kazakhstan Inc. (16.807%), CNPC Kazakhstan B.V. (8.333%) and Inpex North-Caspian Sea Ltd. (7.563%).