Russia and Kazakhstan sign agreement to expand oil transit infrastructure

Russia and Kazakhstan have signed an intergovernmental agreement to expand cooperation in the oil sector, with plans to increase Russian oil transit to China via Kazakhstan by 2.5 million tons. The agreement was signed by Russian Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilyov and Kazakhstani Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov during talks that followed a meeting between the presidents of Russia and Kazakhstan. The expansion project requires construction of additional pumping stations and pipeline expansion, with additional calculations and feasibility studies still pending. According to Tsivilyov, the existing infrastructure has proven its effectiveness as a transport and logistics corridor, and both nations view its continued development as a mutual priority. The energy ministers emphasized that companies from both countries are currently in discussions to finalize pricing structures, investment levels, and technical implementation details. Tsivilyov stated that once all pricing and investment issues are resolved between the companies, specific agreements can be signed. He noted that the expansion process involves coordination on both the Russian and Kazakhstani sides, as infrastructure development will need to occur in both nations.