Kazakhstan is accelerating the modernization of its oil industry, with refinery efficiency reaching new highs as the country boosts gasoline, diesel and bitumen production.

The average depth of oil refining at Kazakhstan’s three major refineries increased from 87.4% to 90% by the end of 2025. The improvement reflects ongoing upgrades at the country’s key energy facilities and growing output of high-value oil products, The Caspian Post reports via Kazinform.

The Atyrau Oil Refinery improved refining depth from 85% to 88%, while the Shymkent Refinery increased from 86% to 88%. The Pavlodar Petrochemical Plant posted the strongest performance, rising from 91% to 94%.

The gains were driven by a larger share of light oil products, which climbed from 70-79% to 75-81%, alongside expanded bitumen production at the Pavlodar refinery. Bitumen output there grew from 366,000 tons to 426,000 tons.

Fuel production also surged. Gasoline output rose 107% to 5.7 million tons, while diesel fuel production increased 116% to 6.1 million tons.

The Energy Ministry expects refining depth to reach 94% in the coming years through further modernization projects and expanded refinery capacity, strengthening Kazakhstan’s position as a major regional fuel producer.