According to bitumenmag, Kazakhstan’s three primary refineries are preparing to significantly expand their road bitumen production in 2025, with projected output reaching 1.076 million tons—a 32% increase compared to the estimated 816,000 tons for 2024. This forecast is based on insights from four sources closely acquainted with the refineries’ development plans.
The anticipated production figures are as follows: Caspi Bitum is set to deliver between 405,000 and 410,000 tons, Pavlodar Refinery is expected to produce 366,000 tons, and Qazaq Bitum plans to contribute approximately 300,000 tons.
The Ministry of Energy and the companies involved have not provided any official comments regarding these projections.
In the past year, Caspi Bitum saw a decrease in output, dropping to 242,877 tons from 358,155 tons in the previous year. Meanwhile, Pavlodar Refinery increased its production to 360,278 tons from 289,440 tons, and Qazaq Bitum raised its output to 213,140 tons from 113,184 tons.
Combined production from the three main plants rose by 55,515 tons compared to the previous year’s total of 760,780 tons, based on data from the Situation-Analytical Center for the Fuel and Energy Sector (SAC FEC) and industry insiders.
The current annual production capacity of Kazakhstan’s four leading producers — Caspi Bitum, Pavlodar Refinery, Qazaq Bitum, and Asphaltobeton-1 — is estimated at around 1.2 million tons.
Pavlodar Refinery’s capacity expansion was made possible through the commissioning of a new furnace in its bitumen unit, which increased processing ability by approximately 15%.
Caspi Bitum is also undertaking a modernization project to raise its crude oil processing capacity to 1.5 million tons per year. This upgrade, scheduled to take place from November 2024 through April 2025, is expected to enable the plant to increase bitumen output to 750,000 tons annually.
Kazakhstan’s road bitumen consumption is forecasted to remain steady at around 1 million tons in 2025, consistent with the previous year’s demand.
To ensure adequate supply, the country has authorized an annual import quota of up to 500,000 tons of Russian bitumen. In addition, Qazaq Bitum and Asphaltobeton-1 are processing vacuum residue (gudron), with a total annual import limit set at 280,000 tons.
Price Overview
Wholesale prices for road bitumen at Caspi Bitum facilities have declined to a range of 185,000–190,000 tenge per ton from the earlier level of 190,000–195,000 tenge per ton (VAT included, EXW). Prices at Pavlodar Refinery remain stable, ranging between 125,000 and 140,000 tenge per ton (VAT included, EXW), unchanged since early January.
Market prices have come under pressure due to reduced seasonal demand. A source from a trading firm noted that the road construction season had not yet begun, which was contributing to the lack of orders.
Construction firms have started stockpiling bitumen during the winter months to avoid potential shortages in the summer peak season, especially in light of the scheduled shutdown at Caspi Bitum for plant modernization.
At the border between Russia and Kazakhstan, Russian bitumen is priced at $170 to $190 per ton, excluding domestic taxes.
In December, railway deliveries of Russian bitumen into Kazakhstan amounted to approximately 857 tons, while imports of vacuum residue for domestic processing reached close to 17,000 tons, based on estimates from market traders.
By Bitumenmag
Bitumen, Price, Market
If the Canadian federal government enforces stringent regulations on emissions starting in 2030, the Canadian petroleum and gas industry could lose $ ...
Following the expiration of the general U.S. license for operations in Venezuela's petroleum industry, up to 50 license applications have been submit ...
Saudi Arabia is planning a multi-billion dollar sale of shares in the state-owned giant Aramco.
