(Read full article on total.kz)

The issue of a phased expansion of capacities at the Shymkent refinery is also being considered.

It is planned to create a reserve stock of oil products in the republic, Energy Minister  Bolat Akchulakov said at a briefing, a Total.kz correspondent reports.

“We are planning to create reserves of petroleum products in the republic to smooth out the seasonal growth in consumption. In the first quarter of this year, we also plan to create a reserve for oil products on the basis of NC KazMunayGas in the amount of approximately 140 thousand tons and, using storage facilities, on the basis of KTZ JSC in the amount of up to 50 thousand tons. Basically, according to KTZh, this is diesel fuel,” said Bolat Akchulakov.

He added that it is necessary to increase processing capacities in Kazakhstan, since the construction of a new plant takes quite a long time and requires large funds.