09 сентября 2014 19:56

Transition to gas pumps in Kazakhstan complilcated, gasoline deficit remains

©Yaroslav Radlovsky

The ongoing deficit of gasoline has caused a stir in Kazakhstan. Many were wondering how was it possible for the oil and gas producing country to experience the lack thereof. In Uralsk, a city in Kazakhstan’s West, fuel deficit was particularly acute with kilometer-long queues forming before major gasoline pumps of the city. One man even staged a solitary protest in front of the Oblast administration building by parking his car at the entrance and leaving a writing on the windshield that said “No gasoline”.

The authorities are looking for a way to solve the problem not just temporarily, but in the long-run. One proposition is to convert vehicles in Kazakhstan to using natural gas. The idea is supported in the Ministry of Energy of Kazakhstan. Vice-Minister of Energy Uzakbai Karabalin, ex-Minister of Oil and Gas, said so himself on 27 August 2014. The Vice-Minister said that there are agreements with major companies on placing liquefied gas pumps at their stations.

"First pumps have already been installed in some places. We need more interest at the market. But our Ministry have announced the program and we are supporting it," Karabalin said.

vehicle Central Asia CIS deficit fuel gas gasoline Kazakh Kazakhstan news car

TENGRI LIFE

TENGRI TRAVEL