Kazakhstan delays Pavlodar refinery turnaround until 2027

ASTANA. Aug 24 (Interfax) - KazMunayGas has postponed scheduled maintenance at the Pavlodar Petrochemical Plant from 2026 to 2027 to ensure stable production and uninterrupted fuel supplies to the domestic market during peak seasonal demand, Kazakhstan's national oil company said.

"The maintenance is being moved to 2027 to ensure stable production and uninterrupted fuel supplies during peak seasonal demand, and to minimize risks of local shortages," the company said.

KazMunayGas has been working systematically to improve the reliability of domestic refineries, the company noted. The Shymkent refinery has already shifted to a three-year maintenance cycle, allowing continuous operation without major shutdowns.

Work is also underway at the Pavlodar and Atyrau refineries to extend their maintenance intervals.

Separately, design documentation is being developed to expand the Shymkent refinery's capacity from 6 million to 12 million tonnes per year, and the Pavlodar plant from 6 million to 9 million tonnes per year.

"The strategic projects will contribute to further strengthening the country's energy security," KazMunayGas said.

The Pavlodar petrochemical plant is one of Kazakhstan's three major oil refineries and is part of the KazMunayGas national company.