Kazakhstan is negotiating with Russia over a potential increase of Russian oil exports to China by 2.5 million tons via Kazakh territory, according to Kazakh Energy Minister Erlan Akkenzhenov.
"Negotiations are currently underway. The Russian side is requesting an additional [increase in supplies to China of] 2.5 million tons," Akkenzhenov told reporters when asked about the prospect of increased Russian oil deliveries to China through Kazakhstan.
The minister noted that finalizing the necessary documentation will take time. "Once both sides reach mutual agreement, we will proceed to signing. This will require amendments to the intergovernmental agreement and subsequent ratification in Parliament. I believe the process will take some time," he explained.
In May, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak stated that Russia was ready to boost oil exports to China by 2.5 million tons via Kazakhstan. The Russian pipeline operator Transneft is working on the technical solutions to enable the increased flow.
Earlier, the Russian government approved a draft protocol to amend the intergovernmental agreement with China, paving the way for a potential expansion of Russian oil deliveries to the Chinese market by the proposed 2.5 million tons.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
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Based on TASS materials