Temporary Halt at Tengiz Oil Fields Amid Power System Challenges

Kazakh oil producer Tengizchevroil has temporarily halted production at the Tengiz and Korolev oilfields due to power system issues. The decision follows a fire at a power station, which has been extinguished. The halt complicates an already challenging situation marked by export bottlenecks and infrastructure attacks.

Kazakhstan's leading oil producer, Tengizchevroil, has temporarily shut production at the Tengiz and Korolev oilfields, citing power distribution issues as the cause. This announcement comes on the heels of a fire at a power station on the Tengiz field, which state-owned KazMunayGas has since contained.

According to the company, which is primarily managed by Chevron, average oil production at Tengiz reached approximately 860,000 barrels per day in 2025. In a statement, Tengizchevroil assured that there have been no injuries and that securing the safety of its workforce remains a top priority. The company is coordinating closely with government authorities to address the current challenges.

Despite these complications, the infrastructure at the world-renowned Tengiz field remains stable, but the suspension adds to existing problems including prior export bottlenecks and threats to energy infrastructure. Following the power-related issues, a source noted a significant drop in production from early January, primarily due to constraints at a pivotal Black Sea terminal.