Kazakhstan has intensified efforts to combat the illegal export of fuel by introducing a package of new border control measures, including stricter restrictions on the entry of vehicles from neighboring countries.

Speaking at a government briefing, Vice Minister of Energy Kaiyrkhan Tutkyshbayev outlined the measures aimed at preventing cross-border fuel smuggling, The Caspian Post reports, citing TengriNews.

According to Tutkyshbayev, one of the key restrictions currently in force limits passenger and freight vehicles from neighboring countries to entering Kazakhstan no more than once per day.

"A measure is currently in effect under which passenger and freight vehicles from neighboring countries may enter the territory of Kazakhstan no more than once per day," he said.

The vice minister stressed that the authorities are placing particular emphasis on preventing the so-called "grey" export of fuel through illegal cross-border schemes.

"Our main focus is identifying vehicles equipped with additional fuel tanks that are used for the 'grey' export of fuel. This work is being carried out jointly by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Financial Monitoring Agency, the Border Service, and customs authorities," Tutkyshbayev said.

He added that law enforcement agencies regularly detect individuals attempting to smuggle fuel out of the country in Kazakhstan's border regions.

"Today, a comprehensive set of measures is in place to prevent the 'grey' export of fuel and lubricants from Kazakhstan," the vice minister concluded.