Kazakhstan and China's CNPC discussed the expansion of the Shymkent refinery and increased oil supplies in Astana. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.

The expansion of the Shymkent refinery became one of the main topics of Kazakhstan's negotiations with China's CNPC in Astana. The capacity of the joint venture is planned to be doubled — to 12 million tonnes of oil per year.

Negotiation details

The project was reviewed at the fifth meeting of the working group on Kazakhstan-China cooperation in the oil and gas sector, chaired by First Deputy Prime Minister Nurlubek Nalibayev. Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov, CNPC President Zhou Xinhui and representatives of oil and gas companies from both countries took part, according to the government's press service.

In addition to the plant expansion, the parties discussed increasing oil supplies and pipeline throughput, stepping up geological exploration, and cooperation in the gas sector, petrochemicals and new energy. Separately, they considered extending existing subsoil use contracts and issues of joint projects.

Minister's separate meeting

Minister Akkenzhenov also held a separate meeting with the CNPC president. According to the Energy Ministry, during the Kazakh president's visit to China in autumn 2025, the parties agreed to consider the expansion of the Shymkent refinery as a standalone initiative. At the current talks, the project's status and further steps were discussed.

The minister noted that CNPC has remained one of Kazakhstan's key strategic partners for more than 30 years. Meeting participants also reviewed the development of gas chemical projects, fulfillment of contractual obligations, increasing the share of Kazakh goods, works and services, and personnel training.

About the plant

The Shymkent refinery is a joint venture of KazMunayGas and CNPC. As Kursiv previously reported, in June 2025 the companies, together with the Energy Ministry, signed a framework agreement to double the plant's capacity. The expansion is planned to be completed by 2030.

The East China Design Institute is involved in preparing the feasibility study. A technological line for 6 million tonnes of oil per year will be added to the plant's existing capacities.

To supply the enterprise with raw materials, KMG and CNPC are also preparing to expand the Kenkiyak — Atyrau pipeline to 15 million tonnes and the Kenkiyak — Kumkol pipeline to 20 million tonnes per year. The companies decided to develop project documentation at a meeting on October 22.

Oil export growth

At the same time, Kazakhstan's oil exports to China are growing. In January–August 2026, supplies via the Atasu — Alashankou pipeline increased by 24% compared to the same period in 2025 — to 863 thousand tonnes.