Kazakhstan's imports of Russian gas could increase in 2026 due to reduced production at Tengiz and attacks on the Orenburg Gas Processing Plant (OGPP), which processes Kazakhstani raw materials from Karachaganak. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
QazaqGaz, a subsidiary of Samruk-Kazyna, told Kursiv about a possible increase in gas imports from Russia.
"In 2026, imports of Russian gas may increase due to a reduction in domestic commercial gas production caused by force majeure at the Tengiz field in early 2026, a reduction in the acceptance of raw Karachaganak gas at the Orenburg Gas Processing Plant (OGPP) due to drone attacks on OGPP facilities, planned and unscheduled repair work during 2026 at Kazakhstan's fields, as well as an increase in domestic gas consumption," the company said in response to a request from Kursiv.
At the same time, the company does not disclose import figures in monetary terms, as this is classified as "commercial secret and not subject to disclosure."
In the prospectus for the issuance of $700 million bonds, QazaqGaz reported that under a contract with Gazprom Export, the Kazakh company committed to purchase up to 6 billion cubic meters of gas from Russia in 2026. The price of Russian gas is fixed for the duration of the contract, and payments for gas are made monthly in rubles.
Regarding exports, in October 2023, QazaqGaz and PetroChina International signed a three-year agreement to supply Kazakh gas to China in volumes of approximately 3.5-4.5 billion cubic meters per year. Deliveries are carried out via the Kazakhstan-China gas pipeline through the Khorgos gas metering station.
According to available customs statistics, exports of natural gas from Kazakhstan to Russia in January-May of the current year amounted to 2.2 billion cubic meters worth $44.3 million ($19.85 per 1,000 cubic meters), while imports from Russia totaled 6 billion cubic meters worth $643.4 million ($107.44 per 1,000 cubic meters).
Exports of Kazakh gas to China in January-April amounted to 310.5 million cubic meters worth $33.3 million ($122.57 per 1,000 cubic meters), compared to 1.4 billion cubic meters worth $173.5 million in the same period of 2025 ($107.4 per 1,000 cubic meters).
Purchase prices for gas from new fields under contracts will be determined for a five-year period, earlier reported by Ashat Khassenov, chairman of the management board of KazMunayGas (a subsidiary of Samruk-Kazyna).
QazaqGaz's net profit for 2025 amounted to 271 billion tenge, compared to 289 billion tenge in 2024.