ASTANA – Kazakh First Deputy Minister of Energy Uzakbai Karabalin announced at an Oct. 21 briefing that the ministry will develop a programme in 2015 to increase the energy efficiency of automobiles in Kazakhstan.
“The implementation of this programme will prompt the upgrade of the car fleet in Kazakhstan, reduce the consumption of petroleum products in favour of liquefied natural gas, increase the number of cars with small engine size, as well as improve the ecological situation in the country,” said Karabalin, adding that Kazakhstan has significant potential to reduce energy consumption.
“Technical potential for energy savings in the country is estimated at more than a quarter. It is up to 27 percent of the total consumption of primary energy resources. This is 62 million tonnes in oil equivalent, including 10 million tonnes at the expense of transport,” Karabalin said.
The new programme is expected to significantly elevate urban environment problems and increase the stability of the supply of petroleum products.
Karabalin said Kazakhstan plans to import 272,000 tonnes of AI-92 petrol in October through December. Currently, KazMunayGas imports at a maximum level by order of the government, even when that level results in a loss. “Thus, in June-September there were contracts on the import of 68,500 tonnes of AI-92. In October-December it is planned to import 272,000 tonnes of AI-92. In order to restrict the illicit export of oil from the country, control of border regions with Russia and other neighbouring countries was strengthened. In addition, part of the domestic demand was covered by supplies from China. As a result, for nine months, light products in the amount of 285,000 tonnes were imported,” Karabalin said.
According to Karabalin, the situation on the fuel market is gradually stabilising. Restrictions on fuel stations in many regions were removed. Also, measures will be taken in order to expand the geography of petroleum product imports, to create additional reserves of diesel fuel for Kazakhstan Temir Zholy as well as to create a stable reserve of AI-92 gasoline.
