Planned maintenance work at Kazakhstan’s giant Kashagan oil field could be postponed, according to industry sources cited by PetroCouncil.kz and the energy publication Upstream.
The 35-day maintenance campaign, covering both offshore and onshore facilities, was scheduled to begin June 1.
Shareholders reportedly weighing postponement
According to Upstream’s sources, shareholders in the North Caspian Operating Company (NCOC), which operates the field, are considering delaying the work, which would allow Kashagan to maintain production of about 400,000 barrels per day through June and July.
The reported discussions come amid heightened uncertainty in global oil markets and concerns over supply disruptions linked to tensions around the Strait of Hormuz. Industry observers note that Kazakh crude remains an important source of supply (13% of import) for Europe.
Tengiz disruption may have influenced decision
The possible postponement also coincides with a recent production disruption at the Tengiz field, Kazakhstan’s largest oil field.
According to industry reports, output temporarily dropped to between 5,000 and 10,000 tons per day from roughly 125,000 tons per day before the incident. Production has since begun to recover gradually.
Contractors already mobilized
PetroCouncil.kz reported that personnel and equipment for the Kashagan maintenance campaign have already been mobilized.
NCOC is considering establishing a special commission to assess potential compensation for contractors that incurred costs related to preparations for the planned shutdown.
