Tokayev urged not to abandon the “coal” advantage

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev congratulated oil and gas industry workers and emphasized the special role of the oil and gas complex in the national economy.

Speaking, the President noted that hydrocarbons will continue to play a key role in global energy and, consequently, in Kazakhstan’s energy sector.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stated that the global oil and gas industry is the focus of attention for many countries and renowned experts. The industry's future is being discussed in terms of its impact on global economic development prospects.

 "На мой взгляд, углеводороды по-прежнему будут играть ключевую роль в мировой энергетике и, следовательно, в энергетике Казахстана. Как показывает опыт ряда стран, включая европейских, альтернативные источники энергии могут выполнить своего рода вспомогательные функции", - обратился к представителям отрасли Президент.

He called for attention to be paid to the use of advanced technologies to completely clean natural coal for its industrial use, primarily in the construction of power plants.

 "Как известно, уголь занимает около 70 процентов в энергобалансе Казахстана, наша страна входит в мировую десятку по производству угля, и от этого преимущества отказываться не следует, а, напротив, следует эффективно использовать его", – сказал Касым-Жомарт Токаев.

Europe made an exception for Kazakh coal

Let us recall that in July of this year, Kazakhstan reached an agreement on coal supplies to Europe.

In February 2025, the European Union, as part of its 16th sanctions package, banned all transactions with a number of Russian ports. This posed a threat to Kazakh coal exports to Europe, particularly through the port of Ust-Luga, which had long been the main shipping route.

To address the issue, the Ministry of Trade and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, together with the Kazakh Mission to the EU, held talks with the European authorities. An official request was submitted to the European Commission requesting exceptions to the sanctions regime.

As a result, the EU agreed to easing sanctions in the 18th sanctions package. Now, the transit of Kazakh coal through some Russian ports is once again permitted—but subject to the following conditions:

 - уголь должен быть исключительно казахстанского происхождения; - его владельцем не должны быть лица из стран, попавших под санкции; - порты можно использовать только для транзита, без хранения, закупки или переработки.

Reference: In 2022, Kazakhstan supplied the EU with 4.4 million tons of coal worth $419.2 million, in 2023 – 6.1 million tons worth $382 million, in 2024 – 5.2 million tons worth $312.5 million, and from January to May 2025 – 1.6 million tons worth $82.9 million (38.5 percent of total exports).