Kazakhstan is moving closer to a major upgrade of its oil refining sector. A delegation from the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, led by Daulet Arykbayev, Director of the Department of Oil Transportation and Refining, took part in a strategic meeting in Qingdao, China. The discussions focused on preparing the feasibility study for expanding the Shymkent Oil Refinery’s production capacity to 12 million tons per year, DKNews.kz reports.
The meeting marked an important milestone, bringing the project closer to the practical implementation stage.
Project Moves into Active Technical Phase
During the talks, the parties approved the key parameters for implementing the project. The Shymkent refinery provided a full package of baseline technical data, while the East China Engineering Institute confirmed its readiness to begin work strictly in line with the approved terms of reference.
This effectively means the project has moved from preliminary coordination to active technical development.
What the “6+6” Expansion Scheme Means
The key outcome of the negotiations was confirmation of the refinery’s expansion under the “6+6” scheme. This предусматривает construction of two technological processing lines, each with a capacity of 6 million tons per year.
An important point is that the new facilities will be fully integrated with the refinery’s existing infrastructure. Design work will be based on previously approved technical specifications and the pre-feasibility study, which significantly reduces risks and helps accelerate implementation.
Timelines Under Close Control
Participants at the meeting emphasized the importance of adhering strictly to the project schedule. Completing the core part of the feasibility study within the timeframe set out in the framework agreement remains a top priority.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties signed official protocols confirming that the project has entered the phase of active technical elaboration.
Why This Expansion Matters
The Shymkent refinery project is not an isolated initiative. It forms part of a broader national strategy to modernize Kazakhstan’s oil refining industry.
Overall, the country plans to increase total oil refining capacity at its three existing refineries from 18 million to 39 million tons per year. This expansion is expected to strengthen fuel supply security, reduce dependence on imports, and improve the depth and quality of oil processing.
A New Refinery on the Horizon
At the same time, Kazakhstan is working to attract potential investors for the construction of a new oil refinery with a capacity of up to 10 million tons per year. This project is seen as a key element of the country’s long-term energy security strategy.
What Comes Next
The expansion of the Shymkent Oil Refinery, together with plans for a new refinery, signals a structural shift in Kazakhstan’s oil processing sector. Rather than incremental upgrades, the country is pursuing large-scale, technologically integrated projects with clearly defined timelines.
For the domestic fuel market, this means greater stability, higher processing capacity, and a stronger foundation for industrial growth in the years ahead.
