Russia-Ukraine mutual strike moratorium covers CPC

The Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC), which is the main export route for Kazakhstani oil (80%), has been included in the list of Russian and Ukrainian facilities that must not be targeted by mutual strikes, according to analyst Oleg Chervinskiy.

«The list was published on the Kremlin’s website late on March 25 and raised more questions than it answered. The second clause in the list of Russian and Ukrainian energy facilities covered by the temporary moratorium on strikes against the energy system includes ‘oil and gas pipelines and storage facilities, including pumping stations,’» Chervinskiy posted in his Telegram channel, Kazakhstan’s Oil and Gas Facts and Comments.

Russian authorities said that the moratorium would be in effect for one month starting from March 18, with the possibility of its extension if both sides agree. However, if either party violates the agreement, the other would consider itself free from the obligations stipulated in the moratorium.

On March 24, Russia’s Ministry of Defense reported another Ukrainian drone attack on CPC facilities. The strike occurred at around 2 a.m., with Russian anti-aircraft forces shooting down an unmanned aerial vehicle seven kilometers from the pipeline. The debris landed near the Kavkazskaya railway station, causing no damage to the infrastructure, as stated by the agency.

The largest share of the CPC is controlled by Russia (24%). Other shareholders include KazMunayGas (19%), Chevron Caspian Pipeline Consortium Company (15%), Lukoil International GmbH (12.5%), Mobil Caspian Pipeline Company (7.5%), Rosneft-Shell Caspian Ventures Limited (7.5%), IC CPC Company (7%), BG Overseas Holdings Limited (2%), Eni International N.A. N.V. S.ar.l. (2%), Kazakhstan Pipeline Ventures (1.75%) and Oryx Caspian Pipeline LLC (1.75%).