Responding to questions from journalists after the Government session, Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov spoke about the reasons for the need to increase prices for diesel fuel and gasoline, as well as plans to tighten accountability for the illegal export of fuels and lubricants abroad.

Prime Minister noted that the illegal export of Kazakh fuel to neighboring countries contributes to the world market conditions.

"In neighboring countries the prices of diesel fuel and gasoline are markedly higher. When the economy is open, there are flows of goods to the country where goods are more expensive. Of course, we can close the border. In principle, we have a ban on the export of fuels and lubricants by rail and road. This also has a serious deterrent effect. If such a ban did not exist, the outflow of fuel and lubricants would be an order of magnitude greater than it is today. But I want to say that any restrictive measures can only have a temporary effect, they are not effective in the long run," Smailov said.

At the same time, he added that currently attempts to export fuel illegally are regularly stopped at the border.

"It comes to the fact that cars are equipped with extra fuel tanks, private citizens take fuel even in cans. Of course, it is possible to fine everyone, to bring to justice. And we will do this, we will make changes to the legislation, aimed at toughening responsibility. At the same time we need to reduce the economic incentives for illegal activities, that is, to reduce the disparity in prices. There is no other way," Prime Minister stressed.

#Alikhan Smailov #The Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan #Fuels and lubricants