Kazakhstan and Austria discussed international maritime security and the stability of Kazakh oil supplies to European markets amid the situation surrounding the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC). The talks were held between Kazakhstan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Yermek Kosherbayev and Austria's Federal Minister for European and International Affairs Beate Meinl-Reisinger, the Kazakh Foreign Ministry said. The sides emphasized the importance of ensuring the uninterrupted operation of the route, through which a significant share of Kazakh oil reaches Austria, accounting for around 56% of the country's crude oil imports.
"The Foreign Ministers exchanged views on current issues of the international and regional agenda. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan congratulated the Austrian side on Austria’s election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2027–2028, expressing readiness for further constructive cooperation within the Organization", the ministry said. The sides also stressed the importance of maintaining regular contacts and confirmed their readiness to further develop practical cooperation based on existing agreements, including those reached during Meinl-Reisinger's previous visit.
The CPC is a major international oil transportation project involving Russia, Kazakhstan and leading global energy companies. The system includes a 1,500-kilometer pipeline transporting crude oil primarily from Kazakhstan's Tengiz, Karachaganak and Kashagan fields, as well as from Russian producers. About 80% of Kazakhstan's oil exports are transported through the CPC system.
On July 30, 2026, the tanker Nissos Sifnos was attacked by a drone near the loading manifold while completing loading operations at the Single Point Mooring-3 (SPM-3). In addition, the tanker Marathi, which had been scheduled for loading, was also attacked by a drone approximately 6-7 nautical miles from the CPC marine terminal. Attacks on the consortium were also reported on July 19 and 20.
On August 1, 2026, Kazakhstan's Ministry of Energy said it was not considering a complete suspension of CPC operations. Source: https://www.trend.az/casia/kazakhstan/4215176.html © 2026 Trend News Agency.
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