Astana airport eyes jet fuel imports from China, Turkmenistan to cover potential shortfallKazakhstan's capital airport may turn to jet fuel imports from China and Turkmenistan to offset any supply gaps, the head of Astana's airport said Thursday, though he stressed current reserves remain adequate."Kerosene may now come from China, from Turkmenistan. If businesses have the opportunity, they will bring it in," Astana Airport CEO Beken Seidakhmetov told reporters during a press tour.Since the start of the year, the airport has stopped buying jet fuel directly and instead provides access to its infrastructure to fuel suppliers and major carriers.Seidakhmetov said the airport currently holds enough fuel for 10 to 15 days. "At the moment, we have sufficient fuel stocks," he said.  The airport holds about 1,000 tons, Air Astana has around 10,000 tonnes, and other carriers have their own reserves," Seidakhmetov said.Daily jet fuel consumption at the airport averages about 1,000 tonnes.Seidakhmetov said any decisions on adjusting flight schedules in the event of a fuel shortage would fall to the airlines themselves. "The airlines will decide. We handle, service and refuel," he said.Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov has ordered tighter border controls to prevent fuel smuggling and avert domestic shortages. Kazakhstan's inventories of gasoline, diesel and jet fuel exceed 1 million tonnes, enough to cover current demand. The Energy Ministry has banned the export of certain petroleum products by road and light distillates by rail, and vehicles are limited to crossing the border no more than once a day. (ICE ALMATY)

Fonte notizia: INTERFAX