Kazakhstan Weighs Oil Export Routes

Kazakhstan is reviewing all existing oil export routes, but economic efficiency remains the key factor in choosing directions.

Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov said at a 2025 year-end briefing that the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) route remains the most economically viable for Kazakh oil exports, The Caspian Post reports via local media.

He noted that the China route also shows stable economic performance.

Regarding the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) route, Akkenzhenov said efforts are underway with SOCAR to improve its economic parameters for transporting Kazakh oil. He added that the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway route, from an economic perspective, is currently less favorable than BTC.

The minister also emphasized that Kazakhstan does not rule out using additional routes if needed. “If necessary, we will adjust Baku-Tbilisi-Kars, Baku-Supsa, and other existing routes,” he said.

Akkenzhenov stressed that work on all available oil transport options continues, taking into account economic feasibility and current market conditions.