Russia banned the export of oil from Kazakhstan after Tokayev offered to help Europe with the energy crisis

Russian court suspended the work of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium's marine terminal, which connects Kazakhstan's fields with the Black Sea coast. The decision was made after the offer of the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, to help Europe overcome the energy crisis, although the official reason was "found violations," says Russian Interfax.

The Primorsky District Court of Novorossiysk has suspended the work of the marine terminal for 30 days "to eliminate the violations" found by Rostransnadzor.

According to Russian media, the inspection of the consortium was initiated by the Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, Viktoria Abramchenko, in March. After inspection, Rostransnadzor discovered several violations in the elimination plan of oil spills.

On June 6, the consortium received an order to eliminate the violations and a protocol on an administrative offense — carrying out business activities in the field of transport with a gross violation of conditions.

Despite the deadline for the execution of the order expiring on November 30, 2022, the Rostransnadzor management appealed to the court, calling to stop the operation of the terminal for 90 days. The court rejected the consortium's petition but "shortened" the term to 30 days.

The consortium stated that they were forced to comply with the court's decision, but they intend to appeal it.

The Caspian Pipeline Consortium is the main export route for oil from Kazakhstan. It accounts for more than 80% of the volumes pumped through the pipeline.

Before this decision, the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, in a conversation with the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, called on the EU to cooperate on the development of alternative transcontinental corridors and said that "Kazakhstan could contribute by acting as a "buffer market" between East and West, South and North."

Tokayev expressed concern over threats to energy security in the world and emphasized "Kazakhstan's readiness to use its hydrocarbon potential to stabilize the situation in the world and European markets."