Tengizchevroil (TCO) has achieved its design production capacity following the completion of the largest stage of the Tengiz oilfield expansion project, with daily oil production reaching approximately 120,000 metric tons.

Total output is expected to reach up to 40 million metric tons in 2026, according to the Kazakh Energy Ministry, The Caspian Post reports, citing Kazinform.

During a working trip to the Atyrau region, Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov held talks with TCO's management on current production levels, the company's future plans and the reliable operation of its production facilities.

The Tengizchevroil project is among the largest investment projects undertaken in Kazakhstan since the country gained independence. The agreement to develop the project was signed in 1993, and since then the company has established a major production complex equipped with modern hydrocarbon extraction, processing and treatment facilities.

Under the expansion project, new production facilities were brought online during 2024 and 2025, with the Third Generation Plant producing its first oil in January 2025. Following the completion of the expansion and the successful ramp-up of the new facilities to their planned capacity, TCO produced 16.6 million metric tons of oil in the first half of 2026. The company expects total production to reach up to 40 million metric tons by the end of the year.

Akkenzhenov emphasized the need to maintain stable operations and production levels throughout the remainder of the year.

"Tengiz is one of the key projects in Kazakhstan's oil and gas industry. The new facilities have reached their design capacity, and it is now essential to ensure the stable and reliable operation of the entire production complex. We expect TCO to present a clear plan for the remainder of the year with specific measures to achieve the targeted production volumes," he said.

TCO Chief Executive Officer William Lacobie said the company's main priority remains ensuring safe and reliable production for the benefit of Kazakhstan.

"The safety of our employees, environmental stewardship and the reliability of our operations remain TCO's top priorities. We continue to focus on the safe operation of our facilities and on improving production processes," he said.

The discussions also covered the reliability of production facilities, measures to prevent operational disruptions, the development of local content and the participation of Kazakh suppliers in the project. The Energy Ministry said it would continue monitoring TCO's production performance and the reliability of its operations.

On January 18, two electric generator ignitions occurred at the Tengiz oilfield. The fires were quickly extinguished, and no injuries were reported.