CPC halted shipment: oil production reduced in Kazakhstan
Tengrinews.kz — Kazakhstan's Ministry of Energy has issued a statement regarding the operation of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) and oil production volumes, citing the ministry's press service.
According to the statement, loading operations at the CPC marine terminal have been temporarily suspended to ensure the safety of vessels, crews, and the environment in the Black Sea. Meanwhile, all production and technical facilities of the consortium remain in good working order, are operating as usual, and are ready to resume transshipment as soon as the situation normalizes.
"Due to restrictions on oil intake into the pipeline system and to prevent storage tank overflow, oil producers have implemented a controlled adjustment of daily production levels, resulting in a temporary decrease in oil output. This is a technical measure aimed at ensuring the stability of production processes," the Ministry of Energy stated.
The ministry added that it is in constant contact with CPC management, major shippers, shipowners, and relevant government agencies.
"Continuous consultations are currently underway to develop solutions aimed at ensuring safe shipping conditions and the swift resumption of stable Kazakh oil exports to global markets," the statement said.
Note:The Caspian Pipeline Consortium brings together major fuel and energy companies from Russia, the United States, Kazakhstan, and several Western European nations. Notably, the CPC facilitates oil transportation from three major Kazakh fields: Tengiz, Kashagan, and Karachaganak.
What happened at the CPC
Previously, tankers in the CPC waters were targeted by drone attacks. One vessel was preparing to load Kazakh oil, while another was undergoing loading at the CPC marine terminal.
Kazakhstan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the attacks as an unacceptable infringement on the country's economic interests and demanded an immediate halt to attacks on vessels and infrastructure used for exporting Kazakh oil.
The Foreign Ministry also stated that Kazakhstan is assessing the damage and reserves the right to use mechanisms provided by international law to protect its interests, including claims for compensation.