Astana, 3 November. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev received QazaqGaz chairman Alibek Zhamauov, Akorda reported.
The head of state was told about the company’s results for 2026 and its plans for the coming years, and about full readiness for the 2026–2027 heating season. Zhamauov reported that, under the President’s instruction to step up geological exploration, work is under way at the Shalkar, Saralzhyn, Maldybai, Northern-2, Northern-1, Akkuduk and Pridorozhnoye sites.
Construction of a gas processing plant at the Kashagan field with a capacity of 1 billion cubic metres of gas a year continues; commissioning is planned for the third quarter of 2027. On the second line of the Beineu – Bozoi – Shymkent gas pipeline, engineering design and procurement are under way and construction and installation has begun. EPC contractors have been chosen for the plants of 2.5 billion cubic metres a year at Kashagan and 5 billion cubic metres at Karachaganak. Under the Aqyl Energy initiative the company is digitalising gas metering and supply management, including with elements of artificial intelligence; more than 1.3 million gas meters are being replaced with smart ones in stages.
The President was also told of plans to bring gas to Kokshetau and Petropavlovsk, develop the gas motor fuel market, build a small-scale liquefied natural gas plant of 50,000 tonnes a year in Rudny, and start building a fourth underground gas storage facility. After the meeting Tokayev gave instructions on stable gas supply to the population and the economy during the heating period and on expanding the resource base of commercial gas; Akorda did not disclose the instructions themselves.
What it means: The President was briefed on three things at once: the winter reserve, construction dates (Kashagan — 2027), and the move to smart meters. What exactly was ordered is unknown.
Who benefits: Gas consumers: residents of Kokshetau and Petropavlovsk, whom the company plans to connect, and everyone who depends on stable winter supply. Project costs and tariffs are not stated.
Background: The same day the government approved a draft plan for implementing the Address that provides for supplying settlements with drinking water and gas.
