Tajikistan, Kazakhstan agree to expand supplies of Kazakh oil products

DUSHANBE. Nov 9 (Interfax) - Tajikistan and Kazakhstan have signed a framework agreement on cooperation in supplies of oil products envisaging annual coordination of delivery volumes and promotion of the development of direct ties between producers and importers of the two countries, the press service for the Tajik Energy and Water Resources Ministry said on Sunday.

The document was signed by the Tajik Energy and Water Resources Ministry and the Kazakh Energy Ministry following summit-level talks in Astana.

The agreement envisages facilitating supplies of motor gasoline, diesel and aircraft fuel, liquefied petroleum gas, bitumen, heating oil, and other oil products from Kazakhstan to Tajikistan.

The parties also intend to facilitate the establishment of direct business contacts between Kazakh producers and suppliers of oil products and Tajik importer companies.

In accordance with the document, the parties will approve the estimated volumes of supplies of oil products from Kazakhstan to Tajikistan for the next calendar year taking into account the Tajik market's demands annually before October 1. Relevant indicative balances will be signed following such coordination.

In addition, the agreement provides for the consideration of the possible construction of the new oil refineries or expansion of the existing capacities in Kazakhstan according to Tajikistan's needs.

The document is aimed at diversifying sources of oil product imports, facilitating the stable supply to Tajikistan's domestic market, and strengthening its energy security.