ASTANA, Kazakhstan, April 2. Kazakhstan can provide gas to the northern and eastern regions using Russian resources, Energy Minister Almassadam Satkaliev told reporters, Trend reports.
"To bring gas to the northern and eastern regions, we are operating in two directions. The first, as you know, is the construction of the Saryarka gas pipeline's third and fourth sections. Relevant feasibility studies are being conducted. QazaqGas is evaluating numerous financing options for this project. Furthermore, the company, in collaboration with Gazprom, is producing a feasibility assessment for a project for potential gas delivery from Russian resources," the minister said.
Previously, Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, stated in an interview with Trend, that Russia could help Kazakhstan provide gas to its northern and eastern regions.
"Russia is one of the world's top energy exporters, contributing significantly to global and regional energy security. We have developed positive relationships with our closest neighbors and allies in Central Asia, particularly the Republic of Kazakhstan. This country's northern and eastern areas, in particular, continue to face gas supply issues. Given our strategic cooperation with Astana, it stands to reason that we should assist our Kazakh allies in resolving this issue. To secure access to the necessary energy sources, numerous solutions for reconstructing the corresponding gas transmission infrastructure are under consideration," she said.
Today, 60 percent of the population of Kazakhstan, or 12 million people, have access to natural gas. Kazakhstan plans to increase the level of gas supply to the population to 61.1 percent by the end of 2024.