Measures to provide the domestic market with petroleum products, including diesel fuel, were discussed at a meeting of the Coordination Center, chaired by First Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar.

Minister of Energy Almassadam Satkaliyev reported that at present the total stock of diesel fuel in the Republic is 309 thousand tons. In addition, in April is expected to produce another 441 thousand tons. Thus, the total amount of diesel this month will be about 750 thousand tons, and the forecast consumption is about 510 thousand tons, taking into account the needs of agricultural producers and the KTZ.

According to the minister, as of April 7, the diesel fuel was not available at 415 gas stations, which is about 13% of the total number is 3,163 facilities. In order to promptly eliminate the shortage, the Ministry of Energy collected applications from the akimats of the regions for additional supply of fuel stations.

It was also noted that the state is taking all measures to ensure stable production at refineries. In particular, the repair of Shymkent refinery was completed ahead of schedule, and shipment of oil products has already started. The priority is given to agricultural producers and filling stations in regions experiencing fuel shortages.

According to Magzum Mirzagaliyev, chairman of the board of KazMunayGas, the shortage, which has arisen in recent days, is due to the fact that owners of petrol stations keep fuel in oil depots in anticipation of the upcoming reduction in the disparity of prices. Private oil depots hold 73% of the country's available diesel fuel.

Deputy Minister of Finance Yerzhan Birzhanov said that over the past week there were analyzed more than 3 thousand filling stations, with special attention to facilities where there are remnants of fuel, but there is a decrease in sales. That is, there are signs of limiting sales. All in all, 152 such gas stations were detected all over the country. Response measures are taken on all the facts.

On the situation in the regions and the measures taken also reported deputy akims of Turkestan region, the cities of Almaty and Shymkent.

Roman Sklyar stressed that the regional headquarters should act more actively, conduct regular raids.

"Speculation with fuel and lubricants and "sticking" fuel in oil depots is categorically unacceptable, as it directly affects the energy security of the country. Colleagues from the State Revenue Committee, the Agency for Financial Monitoring and the Agency for the Protection and Development of Competition, I ask to strengthen control over the situation at gas stations. If cases of failure to supply fuel and lubricants are revealed, one should not be "ceremonious" and punish to the fullest extent of the law. KazMunayGas and KTZ need to ensure timely and full shipment and delivery from the plants of the declared volumes of fuels and lubricants, particularly diesel fuel," he said.

The participants of the meeting also discussed the issue of preparation for the next heating season.

#Roman Sklyar #Fuels and lubricants