Tengrinews.kz — Kazakhstan plans to eliminate import customs duties on fuels and lubricants from third countries, primarily China. The decision is currently being finalized at the Eurasian Economic Commission, according to Vice Minister of Trade and Integration Zhanel Kushukova.
Tengrinews.kz — Kazakhstan plans to eliminate import customs duties on fuels and lubricants from third countries, primarily China. The decision is currently being finalized at the Eurasian Economic Commission, according to Vice Minister of Trade and Integration Zhanel Kushukova.
According to the Vice Minister, Russia has traditionally been Kazakhstan's main fuel supplier. However, the authorities intend to establish an alternative supply mechanism in case of domestic shortages, given the current situation in the Russian Federation.
"We are making a decision within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Commission to reduce import customs duties to stimulate fuel imports from third countries, primarily China," Kushukova said during a briefing at the Senate.
She specified that import duties are planned to be reduced to zero.
When asked by journalists to clarify whether this meant preparing conditions for duty-free fuel imports into Kazakhstan, the Vice Minister replied:
"Absolutely correct."
According to her, the primary focus is on supplies from China, as it is the closest country capable of providing the necessary volumes.
The preferential regime may apply to gasoline, diesel, and aviation fuel. No fixed import volumes will be set in advance; the plan is to import as much fuel as the domestic market requires.
Kushukova emphasized that the move is not prompted by an existing fuel shortage in Kazakhstan, but rather by the need to create a backup import capacity. She cited aviation fuel as an example, where domestic production does not yet fully cover internal demand.
"If we suddenly lack a certain volume during any given period, we will have the option to import fuel from third countries. For instance, aviation fuel, where we currently lack full self-sufficiency," she noted.
Simultaneously, Kazakhstan will continue to restrict fuel exports. According to the Vice Minister, such restrictions have been in place for a long time and are extended every six months to prioritize domestic needs.
The duty-free import regime is expected to be in effect for one year.
The fuel situation in Russia
Initial reports regarding difficulties in purchasing fuel surfaced several days ago, with motorists reporting various issues. According to Forbes, as of June 23, restrictions on the sale of gasoline and diesel at filling stations were introduced in 61 of Russia's 89 regions.
Measures vary by region and fuel network: some limit sales to 20 liters of gasoline per person, while others set the limit at 40 liters. A similar situation is observed with diesel fuel: some regions have a cap of 80 liters, others up to 200 liters per vehicle, with a total ban on filling canisters. Some gas station chains are reporting long queues and the use of a voucher system.
Regional authorities state that these measures are intended to curb unfounded panic buying and prevent potential speculation in the fuel market.
The fuel situation in Kazakhstan
Earlier, Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov stated that there is no shortage of fuels and lubricants in the country, emphasizing that ensuring the stability of the domestic petroleum product market is of strategic importance. According to him, domestic demand is fully met by domestic refineries, which are operating as usual.
During the meeting, it was also noted that reserves of gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel exceed 1 million tons. Priority for fuel supplies is given to filling stations, agricultural producers, and domestic air carriers.
The head of government also ordered tightened controls at the state border and measures to prevent the illegal export of petroleum products, while ensuring constant monitoring of production, reserves, and consumption balances.
Previously, media reports suggested a potential jet fuel shortage in Kazakhstan due to reduced supplies from Russia and Belarus. The Ministry of Energy refuted these concerns, stating that domestic refineries fully meet the country's aviation fuel needs and that there is no threat of a shortage.
