Русский
Kazakhstan may consider a possible gas export route through Russia and European countries to Italy, Kazakhstan’s Deputy Energy Minister Kairkhan Tutkyshbayev has stated. He said, “Kazakhstan does not have a direct gas transportation route with Italy. As a possible option, transit routes through Russia and European countries could be considered.”
He said no negotiations were currently under way on pipeline gas supplies from Kazakhstan to Italy or other European countries and that there is no information on European countries’ demand for possible gas supplies from Kazakhstan. Earlier, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said it is too early to discuss returning to Russian gas supplies despite challenges in global energy markets.
A phased ban on Russian gas imports to the European Union took effect on March 18. A full ban on LNG imports from Russia is set to take effect in early 2027, while a full ban on pipeline gas imports is scheduled for September 30, 2027.
Italy has faced heightened energy supply risks amid disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz. As a result, Meloni traveled to Algeria to negotiate higher gas supplies.
In April, Eni Chief Executive Claudio Descalzi said the EU should reconsider the plans for a gradual ban on Russian gas imports starting in 2027.
While Kazakhstan’s proposal may not be viable today, it is likely to be taken off the shelf and reconsidered should the situation in Ukraine be resolved while Europe continues to pay for increased energy supplies. A long-term reluctance for using Russian-sourced energy products is likely to be in place for many years; however, Kazakh-sourced gas is less likely to be politically awkward.
Kazakhstan is rich in natural gas deposits, with 2,400 bcm of proven reserves, making it the 15th largest source globally. Russia has the world’s largest reserves with 47,800 bcm of proven reserves. To compare, Greece has the largest European Union reserves at 600 bcm, followed by the Netherlands with 180, Romania with 100, and Poland with 91. The EU’s demand for LNG far outstrips its domestic resources, and it is a net importer, with the United States its current largest supplier.
