Kazakhstan Cuts Oil Output After Port Attacks

Kazakhstan has announced a temporary reduction in oil production because of the deteriorating security situation around the Russian Black Sea port of Novorossiysk, where it exports most of its crude via the Caspian Pipeline Consortium terminal.

The terminal has come under repeated Ukrainian drone attacks in recent weeks, prompting Kazakhstan to suspend loading operations as a precaution to protect vessels, crews and the environment, according to the Kazakh Energy Ministry. The ministry said the terminal's technical infrastructure remained fully operational.

The disruption has indirectly affected Kazakh oil exports at a time when the country had been increasing production in response to higher global demand and tensions in the Middle East.

The production cut is the latest setback for Kazakhstan, which relies heavily on oil export revenue. In May, Russia halted transit of Kazakh oil to Germany via the Druzhba pipeline. The government said consultations were continuing to restore safe shipping and resume exports as quickly as possible.

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