Kazakhstan to complete modernization of two refineries in 2016

Modernization of Shymkent and Pavlodar oil refineries will be completed by 2016, Tengrinews.kz reports. “As for the reconstruction and modernization of Shymkent and Pavlodar oil refineries, we are preparing the cost estimates; the licensees for major technological units have been selected. To speed up implementation of the projects, the decision was made to combine the stage of the cost estimate preparation with the stage of early contractor’s involvement and ordering the long-produced equipment. The work is in process and as a result, the reconstruction of both refineries should be completed in the beginning of 2016,” Kazakhstan Minister of Oil and Gas Sauat Mynbayev said in the Majilis (the Lower Chamber of the Parliament of Kazakhstan). He also spoke about the course of Atyrau Oil Refinery modernization. “As for the project of construction of the advanced oil processing center, all documents, as well as financing, contracts with contractors, labor and etc., have been dealt with. We just need to complete the actual scope of work. The only outstanding issue is allocation of funds to Atyrau oblast administration for relocation of people for expansion of the sanitary-protection zone,” the Oil Minister of Kazakhstan said. In the beginning of the year Kazakhstan Prime-Minister Serik Akhmetov promised to personally control modernization of the three Kazakhstan oil refineries. By Renat Tashkinbayev