Kazakhstan's oil refineries have increased production of aviation kerosene in response to rising domestic demand and reduced supplies from abroad. The main source of imports — Russia — has halted supplies, while available fuel volumes on the external market remain limited.
WHY THERE IS A RISK OF SHORTAGE
According to Reuters, as cited by Ulysmedia.kz, Kazakh refineries do not produce enough aviation kerosene to fully cover domestic demand. Previously, the shortfall was purchased from Russia and Belarus, but both countries are now primarily focused on supplying the Russian market, which is also experiencing a fuel shortage.
It is noted that at the end of June, the Atyrau Oil Refinery (AOR) will undergo preventive maintenance, which will further reduce production volumes.
HOW KAZAKH REFINERIES RESPONDED
Against this backdrop, the AOR has increased its aviation kerosene production target to 4.51% of the total volume of crude oil processed. In May, Kazakh plants produced a record 96.2 thousand tonnes of this type of fuel.
According to Reuters, supplies of Russian aviation kerosene to Kazakhstan in the first half of June amounted to 1.9 thousand tonnes, whereas for the whole of May they reached 23.1 thousand tonnes. Supplies from Belarus between 1 and 15 June rose to 6.58 thousand tonnes, compared to 940 tonnes for the entire previous month.
From January to May, approximately 145 thousand tonnes of aviation fuel were delivered by rail from Russia to Kazakhstan, compared to 112 thousand tonnes during the same period in 2025.
WHAT CONSUMPTION VOLUMES ARE EXPECTED
According to the Ministry of Energy, total fuel reserves in Kazakhstan, including aviation fuel, exceed 1 million tonnes. The ministry believes this is sufficient to meet current demand.
At the same time, as noted in the publication, in June the country's airports will require approximately 110 thousand tonnes of aviation kerosene. According to plans, Kazakh refineries will produce 73.4 thousand tonnes of this petroleum product.
HOW FUEL PRICES HAVE CHANGED
Due to limited supply, the cost of aviation kerosene has risen. In January, the price ranged from $734 to $788 per tonne. By June, the minimum price had increased to $776, while the maximum reached $1,577 per tonne.
At Almaty Airport, the cost per tonne of aviation fuel for domestic passenger flights starts at $866, while the 'into-wing' refuelling service price for foreign airlines reaches approximately $1,500.
