Increased Oil Shipments from Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Pipeline to Kazakhstan
In a strategic move to enhance its export diversification, Kazakhstan has announced plans to increase its oil exports through the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline to 1.7 million tons in 2025, up from 1.4 million tons in 2024. This target was revealed during ongoing talks between Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, as part of expanding energy cooperation between the two countries [1][2].
The BTC pipeline, one of the key alternative export channels for Kazakh oil, has already seen a 12% increase in oil transported during the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year. Nearly 800,000 tons of Kazakh oil were shipped via the pipeline in the first half of this year, equating to roughly 34,000 barrels per day [3][4].
Kazakhstan's efforts to boost export volumes involve plans to upgrade the Aktau port and address pipeline quality standards for Kazakh crude. Discussions also include Kazakhstan’s interest in Turkish investments and expertise in energy diversification and power plant construction. The two countries signed 20 agreements covering cooperation in energy, mining, and other sectors during a recent high-level strategic cooperation council meeting [2][4].
Since the pipeline's inception in 2008, Kazakhstan's oil exports via the BTC route have grown steadily, with the pipeline’s total capacity at 50 million tons per year. Kazakhstan’s quota was initially 1.5 million tons but may increase to 2.2 million tons following Azerbaijan’s support. The country is exploring trans-Caspian pipeline projects to diversify export routes and reduce dependence on Russian ports [2][4].
In addition, the growing energy cooperation between Kazakhstan and Türkiye was emphasized by Kazakh Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov, who held a press briefing on July 31 in Astana. Akkenzhenov stated that both countries are currently engaged in consultations, studying fields, and assessing conditions for Turkish Petroleum to begin operations in Kazakhstan [5].
Furthermore, during President Tokayev's recent visit to Ankara, KazMunayGas and Turkish Petroleum signed a memorandum of understanding, outlining the potential participation of Turkish Petroleum in developing oil and gas fields in Kazakhstan [6]. The parties aim to expand the BTC pipeline's capacity by increasing supply volumes, optimizing logistics, and coordinating actions to eliminate challenges [1][2].
However, no specific details were provided about the expected increase in oil exports beyond 2025, or about any new figures for oil exports through the BTC pipeline in the remaining months of 2025. Despite this, Kazakhstan remains committed to steadily increasing the potential of the BTC route for oil exports as part of its broader strategic partnership with Turkey [1][2][3][4].
[1] Kazakhstan to Boost Oil Exports Through Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Pipeline to 1.7 Million Tons in 2025 [2] Kazakhstan and Turkey to Strengthen Energy Cooperation [3] Kazakhstan Increases Oil Transported Via BTC Pipeline by 12% in First Half of 2025 [4] Kazakhstan and Turkey Sign 20 Agreements for Cooperation in Energy, Mining, and Other Sectors [5] Akkenzhenov: Turkish Petroleum May Begin Operations in Kazakhstan [6] Kazakhstan and Turkey Sign Memorandum of Understanding Between KazMunayGas and Turkish Petroleum
The BTC pipeline, a key alternative export channel for Kazakh oil, has already experienced a 12% increase in oil transported during the first half of 2025, signifying the pipeline's role in general-news and politics as Kazakhstan works towards enhancing its global energy presence. Kazakhstan and Turkey's ongoing discussions, as part of their expanding energy cooperation, also cover Kazakhstan’s interest in Turkish investments and expertise, further emphasizing the political and general-news implications.
