Kazakhstan to Boost Oil Exports via BTC Pipeline, Strengthen Energy Ties with Türkiye

Kazakh Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov has announced that Kazakhstan is set to increase its oil exports through the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline to 1.7 million tons in 2025, while deepening strategic energy cooperation with Türkiye.

Akkenzhenov noted that nearly 800,000 tons of Kazakh oil were transported via the BTC pipeline in the first half of 2024. By the end of the year, that figure is expected to rise to 1.4 million tons, with further growth anticipated in 2025, The Caspian Post reports, citing Kazakh media.

“The Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan route remains a vital alternative corridor for Kazakh oil exports,” the minister said. “We are committed to gradually expanding its capacity as part of our long-term export diversification strategy.”

Efforts are underway to increase the pipeline’s throughput by boosting volumes, improving logistics, and addressing existing bottlenecks. These enhancements are seen as critical to ensuring the route’s efficiency and long-term reliability.

The minister also emphasized the strengthening of bilateral energy ties between Kazakhstan and Türkiye. During Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s recent visit to Ankara, national oil companies KazMunayGas and Turkish Petroleum signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU), opening the door for Turkish participation in the exploration and development of oil and gas fields in Kazakhstan.

“Turkish Petroleum is currently in consultations with KazMunayGas, evaluating potential projects and assessing field conditions for possible operations in Kazakhstan,” Akkenzhenov noted.

In addition, the energy ministries of both countries signed a separate MoU aimed at broadening cooperation across oil, natural gas, renewable energy, and electricity generation-highlighting a shared commitment to advancing regional energy security and investment.