Kazakhstan's major refineries have reportedly resisted gasoline exports to Russia amid sanctions risks, payment complications, and strong domestic fuel demand. The smaller Kondensat refinery is processing Russian crude and plans to send most of the resulting gasoline and diesel back to Russia.
Kazakhstan is simultaneously conducting nationwide military drills emphasizing modern warfare, including drones and coordination across multiple domains. Kazakhstan is trying to keep the Kremlin at arm’s length amid Russian efforts to lean on Central Asian states for help in bolstering Moscow’s staggering war economy.
On August 26, the Moscow Times, citing Reuters, reported that some of Kazakhstan’s largest refineries have declined to export oil and gas products to Russia, even though the Kazakh Energy Ministry had approved shipments of up to 17,500 tons of gasoline.
Kazakh hesitation is reportedly linked to the threat of secondary sanctions for abetting the Russian war effort.
