Kazakhstan plans to extend the ban on the export of oil products.

It has been reported that the country is currently experiencing an unusual increase in the consumption of "popular" gasoline AI-92 and diesel fuel.

"According to law enforcement agencies, the monthly volumes of "gray" exports and transfers of petroleum products disguised as "cover goods" range from 10 to 45 thousand tons, which is linked to the price difference - in Kazakhstan, fuel prices are lower than in neighboring countries by 17 to 166%.

Furthermore, under the Agreement on the Supply of Oil and Petroleum Products, the Republic of Kazakhstan is forced to import petroleum products on a duty-free basis, and thus, the requirements of the Russian side regarding the prohibition of re-exporting petroleum products outside the EAEU are taken into account.

Therefore, there is a need to strengthen control over the export of petroleum products under the guise of "cover goods," specifically beyond the EAEU," - is noted in the release attached to the draft order.

As a result, the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan has developed a draft Joint Order of the Minister of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Chairman of the National Security Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Minister of Finance, and the Minister of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On Certain Issues of Exporting Petroleum Products from the Territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan."

"The draft provides for a six-month ban on the export of petroleum products from the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan, including to the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union," - is stated in the document.

The draft joint order has been made available for public discussion until March 14, 2025.

Recall that at the end of January, Kazakhstan imposed a ban on the export of gasoline and diesel fuel by rail, and there is also a ban on the export of fuel by road transport.

At that time, it was reported that the ban on the export of gasoline and diesel fuel by rail transport would be enforced, except for the export of gasoline according to supply plans and the export of petroleum products within the framework of humanitarian assistance and/or assistance provided for the elimination of the consequences of natural disasters, accidents, or catastrophes for the period from February 1, 2025, to March 29, 2025.

Additionally, a similar ban has been in effect since September 29 regarding the export of gasoline and diesel by road transport from the republic, except for fuel in the tank - until the end of March.

At that time, it was also reported that Kazakhstan had recorded the lowest prices for AI-95 gasoline among other European countries.

However, in terms of fuel accessibility for the population, Kazakhstan falls behind many European countries. With an average salary, a Kazakhstani can purchase about 1,208.9 liters of AI-95 gasoline. With such a figure, analysts ranked Kazakhstan only 16th among 32 countries in the rating.

Previously, the head of the Ministry of Energy reported on the imminent rise in fuel prices in Kazakhstan.

"A decision has already been made regarding the increase in fuel prices. There will also be a phased increase in liquefied petroleum gas. There are also certain indicators related to the price increase for commercial gas. The main message from the government is that regulatory and administrative measures to control prices will be maintained. This means there will not be a sharp increase in the price of this type of product," said the minister at that time.