Kazakhstan has tightened border crossing rules for passenger and freight vehicles in an effort to curb the illegal export of fuel amid Russia’s growing fuel shortage.
According to Deputy Energy Minister Kairkhan Tutkyshbayev, vehicles from neighboring countries are now allowed to enter and leave Kazakhstan no more than once per day. Officials say the measure is intended to help maintain stability in the country’s domestic fuel market.
The new restrictions apply across all of Kazakhstan’s border regions. At the same time, the Ministry of Energy, together with state-owned companies, has built up fuel reserves and says it is closely monitoring domestic supply.
Authorities explained that the decision followed a sharp increase in fuel consumption in the West Kazakhstan, Aktobe, and Pavlodar regions, where long lines have recently formed at filling stations.
Kazakh officials attribute the surge in demand to motorists from neighboring Russian regions seeking fuel as Russia continues to face gasoline and diesel shortages.
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