Atyrau Oil & Gas
Atyrau Region: The Paradox of Oil and Sustainability
Ruslan Sultanov, EconomyKZAtyrau Region is Kazakhstan’s oil capital. This is where the resources that fuel the national budget are extracted. However, the region finds itself in a paradox: colossal oil production revenues do not guarantee sustainable development. Instead, the region faces demographic imbalances, dependence on resource rents, and limited economic diversification.
Demographics: Concentrated Development
The region's total population is 704,074 people, with 55.37% residing in urban areas. However, urbanization in the region is highly uneven:
Top 5 most populated districts:
- Atyrau – 412,272 people
- Zhylyoi District – 86,872 people
- Kurmangazy District – 56,008 people
- Inder District – 32,799 people
- Kyzylkogy District – 30,869 people
Top 5 least populated districts:
- Isatay District – 26,373 people
- Makhambet District – 29,210 people
- Makat District – 29,671 people
- Kyzylkogy District – 30,869 people
- Inder District – 32,799 people
The gap between settlements is evident. Atyrau is the primary hub of population and economic activity, while rural districts face a shortage of investment, infrastructure, and human capital.
Revenue: Oil Dependency
The region’s total revenue is 898.8 bln tenge, with 87.2% coming from tax revenues. On the surface, this seems like an impressive figure. However, the bulk of these revenues is generated by oil companies rather than a diversified economy.
Top 5 highest-earning districts:
- Atyrau – 382.3 bln tenge
- Zhylyoi District – 217.2 bln tenge
- Makhambet District – 6.6 bln tenge
- Isatay District – 4.8 bln tenge
- Kurmangazy District – 4.2 bln tenge
Top 5 lowest-earning districts:
- Kyzylkogy District – 2.0 bln tenge
- Inder District – 2.3 bln tenge
- Makat District – 3.5 bln tenge
- Kurmangazy District – 4.2 bln tenge
- Isatay District – 4.8 bln tenge