Baku: Kazakhstan is set to expand its oil export routes through Azerbaijan as it currently finds no viable alternative to the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) in terms of economic efficiency and transportation capacity. Askhat Khassenov, Chairman of the Management Board of KazMunayGas, highlighted this strategic move during a meeting with the Public Council of Samruk-Kazyna.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Khassenov emphasized the importance of developing new export routes, particularly focusing on the transport corridor passing through Azerbaijan. As part of this effort, a feasibility study for the Atyrau-Aktau corridor, which extends through Azerbaijan, is currently in preparation.

In addition, Khassenov mentioned ongoing collaboration with Chinese partners to prepare a feasibility study for the expansion of the Kazakhstan-China oil pipeline. The Caspian Pipeline Consortium remains the primary export pathway for oil produced in Kazakhstan's major fields, including Tengiz, Kashagan, and Karachaganak, with anticipated transport volumes increasing from 70.5 million tonnes in 2025 to 72 million tonnes in 2026. Notable foreign shippers using this route include Chevron, ExxonMobil, Eni, Shell, and KazMunayGas.