Kazakhstan's Ministry of Energy has denied information about a possible full shutdown of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC). This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.

Official representative of the ministry, Asel Serikpayeva, stated that such a scenario is not being considered.

Temporary halt and current situation

According to the Ministry of Energy, on July 31, CPC temporarily suspended the operation of the oil pipeline. However, oil intake from shippers continues, as does filling of the tank farm.

Since August 1, the volume of oil intake is 100,000 tons per day. Further increases in transportation volumes will depend on the timely arrival of tankers for loading at the marine terminal.

The ministry noted that it is in constant interaction with CPC and shippers. The situation remains under the control of the ministry.

CPC — Kazakhstan's main export route

CPC is the main export route for oil from Kazakhstan, accounting for more than 80% of all its exports.

Shareholder structure

CPC shareholders: Russia — 24%, KTK Company (LLC) — 7%, NC KazMunayGas — 19%, Kazakhstan Pipeline Ventures LLC — 1.75%, Chevron Caspian Pipeline Consortium Company — 15%, Lukoil International GmbH — 12.5%, Mobil Caspian Pipeline Company — 7.5%, Rosneft-Shell Caspian Ventures Limited — 7.5%, BG Overseas Holdings Limited — 2%, Eni International N.A. N.V. S.ar.l. — 2%, and Oryx Caspian Pipeline LLC — 1.75%.

Attacks on tankers

Earlier, Kursiv reported that on the night of July 30, drones attacked two tankers near the CPC marine terminal. A fire broke out on the vessel NIFFOS SIFNOS, which was loading oil from Tengizchevroil, but it was extinguished; there were no casualties or oil spills. Another tanker, MARATHI, was attacked six nautical miles from the terminal, after which oil loading was suspended.

Earlier in July, tankers ASIA, NISSOS IOS, and Nordic Zenith, associated with oil supplies from Tengizchevroil, Kashagan, Maten Petroleum, and ExxonMobil, were also attacked. The Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan raised the issue of CPC security in contacts with foreign partners.