Kazakhstan Adjusts 2026 Oil Production Amid Drone Attacks

Kazakhstan announced changes to its 2026 oil production plans due to maintenance at major fields and damage from a Ukrainian drone attack on the CPC's Black Sea terminal. The attack affected exports, pushing Kazakhstan to seek alternative routes. Talks with Ukraine have led to mutual understanding about the situation.

Kazakhstan has revised its oil production strategy for 2026 in response to anticipated maintenance needs at major oilfields and damage to infrastructure from a Ukrainian drone attack. This development comes as part of rising tensions affecting Russian energy assets, complicating the region's export dynamics.

Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov confirmed the adjustments, noting that output plans for the current year remain on track. Kazakhstan's oil production, primarily from Tengiz, Karachaganak, and Kashagan fields, has already seen reductions due to the compromised capacities of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC).

The damages to CPC, which facilitates 80% of Kazakhstan's oil exports via its pipelines from Kazakhstan to Russia's Novorossiysk port, have necessitated alternative routing strategies. The complex geopolitical landscape prompted diplomatic exchanges between Kazakhstan and Ukraine, reaching a consensus to mitigate further disruptions.

(With inputs from agencies.)