Mini-refineries in Kazakhstan to increase production of K-4, K-5 class fuel from Jan 2029The government plans to tighten requirements for mini oil refineries in Kazakhstan starting January 1, 2029, according to a draft resolution published on the Open Online Legal Database portal.According to the new requirements, refineries must increase the output of in-demand petroleum products, including liquefied gas and eco-class K-4 and K-5 fuel, to no less than 45% of their total production.At the country's large refineries in Atyrau, Pavlodar, and Shymkent the share of in-demand petroleum products already ranges from 60% to 75%."At the same time, there are over 30 small-capacity oil refineries operating in the country, which have the potential to process 4.5 million tonnes of oil per year (according to declared documentation). However, the products they produce are 'semi-finished' and do not meet the requirements of standards and technical regulations," the draft resolution states.As clarified, current legislation allows mini-refineries to set their own standards, which leads to the export of so-called "heavy" fraction, from which K-4 class fuel can be obtained through further processing.The discussion of the proposed amendments will last until September 19, 2025.K4 and K5 class fuels are environmental standards for motor fuel quality that determine the level of harmful impurities, primarily sulfur. In Kazakhstan, these requirements are established by the Customs Union's technical regulations and are harmonized with European standards (Euro-4 and Euro-5).Class K4 (equivalent to Euro-4): sulfur content in fuel ≤ 50 mg/kg; more environmentally friendly than previous classes K2 and K3, but still inferior to K5;Class K5 (equivalent to Euro-5): sulfur content in fuel ≤ 10 mg/kg; meets modern environmental standards; ensures minimal emissions of harmful substances (soot, sulfur oxides, particulate matter). (ICE ALMATY)

Fonte notizia: INTERFAX