PETROLEUM. Analytical journal. New projects, fields’ development, production, processing and transportation of oil and gas, presentation of the companies, statistics on the production of hydrocarbons, monitoring of investment legislation.

Interest on science: reset or a hidden tax? Kazakhstan has changed the mechanism for subsoil users to finance R&

Kazakhstan has changed the mechanism for subsoil users to finance R&D

As of February 23, 2026, Kazakhstan has introduced a new model for financing research and development (R&D) at the expense of subsoil users. From now on, extractive companies must transfer the mandatory 1% of their annual hydrocarbon and uranium production costs directly to the republican budget under a separate budget classification code, 401103.

Kazakhstan Tightens Rules for Mini-Refineries: from «Semi-Finished Product» to Euro Standards

In recent years, Kazakhstan’s oil refining sector has become the arena of a quiet but fundamental clash of interests. On one side is the state, seeking to meet domestic demand for fuels and lubricants fully and to shut down channels of “grey” and “black” exports. On the other side are dozens of mini-refineries, for which the export of “semi-finished products” has long been almost the only way to survive.

Modern Approaches to Occupational Safety in the Oil and Gas Industry

It’s uncommon in the oil and gas industry to hear about people not directly involved in oil production. Nevertheless, without the expertise of these professionals, the production, transportation, and processing of hydrocarbons would be exposed to additional risks to people and the environment. In this issue, we feature insights from Nurzhan Kassym, a recognized expert in industrial safety, occupational health, and environmental protection.

How Foreign Investments Are Transforming Kazakhstan❜s Economy and Everyday Life

Foreign investments are pivotal in the country's economic development, particularly in strategically significant sectors such as oil and gas. Kazakhstan, possessing some of the world’s largest oil and gas reserves, actively attracts international capital to develop its natural resources. In addition to offering immense growth potential for the national economy, these investments directly impact the lives of ordinary Kazakhstani citizens.

Faces of Kazakhstan❜s GR

Today, we introduce you to GR experts in the Republic of Kazakhstan’s oil, gas, and energy companies. They serve as a unique communication bridge between the companies, the government, and the public. Aizhan Khamitova, the head of the GR HUB expert community, which unites professionals in the field of interaction with state authorities and other key stakeholders of companies, asked GR specialists to talk about their work. The questions were all the same, making the answers all the more interesting to read.

The National Energy Report Presents a Vision for the Industry’s Prospects

At the Kazakhstan Energy Week-2023 / XV Eurasian KAZENERGY Forum, held in Astana in early October, the annual National Energy Report (NER) was unveiled. Energy continues to be a significant component of Kazakhstan's economy: the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 resulted in the most serious economic downturn (a GDP decline of 2.6%) since the dissolution of the Soviet Union in the 1990s. However, active economic recovery afterward has been mainly due to the energy sector.

Development Potential of Petrochemistry in Kazakhstan

Currently, Kazakhstan's oil and gas chemistry is in its formative stages. The republic has already established and operates a number of manufacturing facilities, including plants producing polypropylene, lubricants, gasoline additives, among others. On November 8, 2022, the head of state inaugurated one of the largest factories of its kind in the CIS countries – a polypropylene production plant located in the Atyrau region with an annual capacity of 500,000 tons. This state-of-the-art facility currently has the capability to produce up to 65 grades of polypropylene.

Why it is Problematic for Investors to Take the Long View

Modern Kazakhstan is not merely a country abundant with natural resources and having the fastest growing economy. It is also the country where importance is being increasingly attached to investment climate. Amid global competition for capital, we see that Kazakhstan is striving to create a favourable environment for investors, whether they are multinationals or local businesses. The government investment policy pays off - we have witnessed a record flow of international direct investments to Kazakhstan, totalled US$ 28 billion in 2022, according to the RK Ministry of Economy.