Russia’s Black Sea Terminal Shutdown: Implications for Kazakhstan’s Oil Exports

On April 1, 2025, Russia issued an unexpected order to shut down two of the three moorings at its Black Sea oil export terminal, a critical hub for Kazakhstan’s crude shipments through the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC). This move has sent ripples through our industry, raising concerns about export capacity and production stability in the days ahead.

The CPC pipeline, which carries about 80% of Kazakhstan’s oil exports to global markets, relies heavily on this terminal. If the shutdown persists, experts warn that export volumes could be halved, forcing producers to scale back output within days. Kazakhstan’s Energy Ministry and Chevron, a major CPC stakeholder, have assured us that deliveries remain uninterrupted for now. However, the situation remains fluid, with potential impacts looming large.

At Kazneftekhim, we’re closely monitoring these developments. Our teams are exploring contingency plans, from optimizing alternative routes to ensuring operational flexibility, to safeguard our commitments to customers worldwide. This challenge underscores the importance of adaptability in our industry—a quality we’ve honed over years of navigating complex logistics. While we hope for a swift resolution, we’re prepared to weather this storm, maintaining our role as a reliable partner in Kazakhstan’s energy ecosystem.