Fresh signs of hydrocarbon potential have been identified at the subsalt Fatima structure in Kazakhstan's Kashagan oil field.

The findings were presented by operator North Caspian Operating Company (NCOC) at the ATYRAUGEO-2026 geological conference, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

Drilling at the Fatima subsalt formation revealed traces of hydrocarbons, while another structure, known as “Prospect X” has been highlighted as one of the most promising exploration targets within Kashagan.

Oil and gas analyst Nurlan Zhumagulov noted that “Prospect X” is currently regarded as the high-potential subsalt structure in the field, underscoring continued exploration upside in the region.

At the same time, development of supporting infrastructure is advancing. In the Atyrau region, construction has begun on a liquefied petroleum gas fractionation plant tied to Kashagan output. The project is being implemented by NCOC contractors under the supervision of QazaqGaz, with the goal of strengthening domestic gas supply stability and easing fuel shortages.

However, the Kashagan project remains subject to ongoing disputes between shareholders and the state. In 2023, the government reclaimed the Kairan and Aktoty fields after investors failed to proceed with development, a decision that could still be legally challenged.

Separately, NCOC is engaged in major litigation, with state claims totaling 2.3 trillion tenge over environmental violations, alongside additional demands of roughly $155 billion linked to production-sharing terms that reportedly allow investors to receive up to 98% of profits.

Despite these challenges, Kashagan remains one of the most strategically significant offshore energy projects in Kazakhstan, with new geological signals adding to its long-term importance.