Kazakhstan scraps plan for Karachaganak gas processing plant with foreign shareholders
It said, without elaborating, that it sought to engage domestic companies.
The central Asian country has clashed for years with international oil companies over costs, bringing multibillion-dollar claims against them in 2023.
The companies say the government is simply seeking to increase its shares in key oil and gas projects in what amounts to "resource nationalism".
Kazakhstan's authorities have rejected such criticism, saying their aim was to rein in costs inflated by Western majors.
The field is operated by the Karachaganak Petroleum Operating (KPO) consortium, which includes Eni (ENI.MI), opens new tab (29.25%), Shell (SHEL.L), opens new tab (29.25%), Chevron (CVX.N), opens new tab (18%), Lukoil (LKOH.MM), opens new tab (13.5%) and KazMunayGaz (KMGZ.KZ), opens new tab (10%).
The shareholders and the local government agreed last year to build a gas processing plant with annual capacity of up to 4 billion cubic metres and to start operations there in 2028.
Currently, raw gas from Karachaganak is delivered across the border to Russia's Orenburg processing plant.
The ministry did not state the reason for halting the Karachaganak processing plant project.
Several industry sources linked it to legal disputes between the government and the foreign companies.
The energy ministry told Reuters in an emailed reply to questions that the arbitration case involving the Karachaganak shareholders was "confidential".
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
JAMnews
an hour ago
- JAMnews
Georgian Dream president ready to pardon jailed opposition if they request it and pledge to join the elections
Georgian Dream offered pardons to opposition Mikheil Kavelashvili, the president from Georgian Dream, stated that if imprisoned opposition leaders ask him for a pardon and confirm in the same request their intention to take part in the municipal elections in October, he will grant them a pardon. 'It is important that all opposition parties take part in the local elections and run a full campaign,' Kavelashvili said in the same statement. What Mikheil Kavelashvili stated: 'Several leaders of political parties are currently serving sentences in accordance with Georgian law. I propose that all of them submit a request for a pardon to me and confirm in the same statement their intention to participate in the elections. If such a request is received, I will immediately issue a pardon for the individuals concerned. Exactly three months from now, on October 4, 2025, local self-government elections will be held, during which the people of Georgia will elect mayors and city councils in 64 municipalities. It is important that all political parties registered in accordance with Georgian law and willing to participate in the elections fully engage in the electoral process. It is also important that all political parties have the opportunity to conduct a full election campaign,' the statement reads. The opposition responds with a refusal Secretary General of Lelo – Strong Georgia, Irakli Kupradze: 'Due to prison regulations, I wasn't able to learn the opinion of the leaders directly, but I can confidently say that Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze will not submit a request for a pardon. As secretary general of Lelo and their friend, I know the values they live by, the principles and dignity with which they defend the interests of the Georgian people, and their belief in victory. I believe I speak for them when I say: there will be no pardon request to an illegitimate president. We will show him the way – to the Russian ship.' The Coalition for Change announced that its imprisoned leaders also have no intention of requesting a pardon from Kavelashvili. It also stressed that the coalition will not participate in the municipal elections. 'By drawing opposition parties into these elections, Georgian Dream is trying to legitimize itself and is using imprisoned leaders as bargaining chips. Through its so-called president, the regime has confirmed that it needs the participation of pro-Western forces in a fake, criminal process called 'municipal elections,' because it is their only way to save themselves. To delay change, they are ready to strike any deal. With this proposal, the regime has admitted that political leaders were unjustly imprisoned—only because they refused to recognize the results of the rigged parliamentary elections and the legitimacy of the regime. Our position remains unchanged: at no stage will we cooperate with the regime or give it any legitimacy. The path to victory lies in non-cooperation and resistance. Until the end!' the statement said. Tina Bokuchava, leader of the party United National Movement: 'Mikheil Kavelashvili's statement proves that the Ivanishvili regime sees its only chance for survival in recognition and legitimization. I am convinced that this statement was written for Kavelashvili by other servants of Ivanishvili [the oligarch and honorary chairman of Georgian Dream]. I also firmly believe that no pardon is being offered to former president Mikheil Saakashvili, who is currently imprisoned.' On June 23, the court sentenced three opposition leaders to prison: Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze (leaders of Lelo – Strong Georgia), and Zurab Girchi Japaridze (one of the leaders of the Coalition for Change). On June 24, the court found Giorgi Vashadze, leader of the Strategy Agmashenebeli party, guilty of failing to comply with a temporary investigative commission created by the Georgian Dream parliament and sentenced him to seven months in prison. He was also banned from holding public office for two years. On July 1, Nika Gvaramia (one of the leaders of the Coalition for Change) was sentenced to eight months in prison. On July 5, former Defense Minister Irakli Okruashvili was sentenced to eight months in prison. They are all accused of refusing to appear before the same commission, called the 'Temporary Investigative Commission of the Parliament of Georgia on the Investigation of the Regime and Political Figures of the 2003–2012 Period,' referring to the presidency of Mikheil Saakashvili. Georgian Dream announced the creation of this commission on January 9, 2025. According to faction leader Mamuka Mdinaradze, the commission will work for six months and prepare a report to be discussed and approved during the first week of the September parliamentary session. News in Georgia
Metro
12 hours ago
- Metro
Trump crony who said eating with your hands is ‘uncivilised' clearly forgot how Donald Trump eats
A fierce debate has erupted after New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani was told by a Republican to 'go back to the third world' after he was filmed eating rice with his hands, Mamdani attracted the disdain of Congressman Brandon Gill — but he is not the only US political figure to forgo utensils, as a picture showing Donald Trump eating an XL serving of McDonald's fries shows (Picture: X) Responding to a video of the Indian-American Democrat scooping from a bowl of biryani during an interview, the congressman wrote on X: 'Civilized people in America don't eat like this. If you refuse to adopt Western customs, go back to the Third World (Picture:) Gill's comments were attacked by Pakistani media platform Dawn, which said: 'The implication that eating rice with his hands is 'uncivilised' is blatant racism. For centuries, people — not just South Asians, but other cultures — have used their hands to eat their food' (Picture: File image) On X, one user named Yoda Cat shared the picture of Donald Trump eating fries, and wrote: 'I can't believe he's eating with his hands. Disgusting third worlder. He'll never be civilized.' Turkish-American media host Cenk Uygur weighed in: 'Civilized people only eat pizza, burgers, sandwiches, tacos, bagels, donuts and dozens of other foods with their hands! But not rice! That's a bridge too far! (Picture: X) 'That's when all civilization breaks down! Is this Congressman really this dumb or is he just trying to spread hatred?' Dawn also pointed out that Mamdani had been talking about how his upbringing in Africa has impacted his politics when he spoke, but that Gill had chosen instead to focus on the Democratic nominee's eating habits (Picture: Kyle Mazza/NurPhoto/Shutterstock) Gill later doubled down on his comments, claiming: 'Zohran Mamdani wants to defund the police, get rid of billionaires, seize the means of production, and 'globalize the intifada.' He's fetishizing the Third World so that he can promote Third World policies (Picture:) The President and other Republicans have also taken aim at Mamdani, with Trump even suggesting that the self-identified Democratic socialist might be deported. Mamdani's family emigrated to the US from Uganda when he was a child, and he became a US citizen in 2018. If he wins the mayoral race in November, the nominee will be the city's first Muslim and Indian-American mayor (Picture: REUTERS)
Scottish Sun
16 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
All the restaurants closing in July including huge Asian chain and fine-dining spot
The hospitality industry is struggling, but why? We reveal all you need to know below GOODBYE MY FRIEND All the restaurants closing in July including huge Asian chain and fine-dining spot Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A SWATHE of restaurants are shutting in July including a huge Asian chain and beloved fine-dining spot. Customers will be devastated after finding out their local haunts are closing for good. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 A host of restaurants are closing this month Credit: Alamy It comes as the restaurant industry struggles amid high energy prices, wholesale costs and tax hikes. Here are all the restaurants shutting this month. Ping Pong Popular Asian restaurant chain Ping Pong has shuttered all of its UK locations and ceased trading after 20 years. The chain was first founded back in 2005 by restaurateur Kurt Zdesar and 13 venues quickly popped up within four years. At its peak, the chain ran 12 restaurants across London, but in a recent Instagram post it announced all locations were now shut. "It's a wrap. After 20 unforgettable years, all Ping Pong locations are now permanently closed," the owners said. "We're incredibly proud of what we built, an independent hospitality brand full of creativity, flavour and soul. 'To everyone who joined us over the years, for dim sum dates, happy hours, bottomless brunches, and just-because catch-ups – thank you… It's been sum-thing truly special." The Angel of Dartmouth Historic fine-dining restaurant The Angel of Dartmouth is due to shut on July 6. The spot, headed up by a former MasterChef contestant, is based on the harbour-front and offers customers modern British cuisine and local produce. Famous fast-food chain dubbed 'Britain's rudest restaurant' to close final UK branch and teases future plans However, it will be forced to shut after citing "difficult trading conditions" and changing diner tastes. A statement from the restaurant read: "For over four decades, The Angel has been at the heart of the town's vibrant culinary scene, a beacon of fine dining and innovation that began with its visionary founder, industry titan Joyce Molyneux. "Joyce's pioneering leadership placed The Angel on the national food map, inspiring a generation of chefs and restaurateurs. "It has been a privilege for us to be the latest custodians of such a historic name, and we have both cherished the opportunity to oversee a restaurant with such a remarkable legacy." Croma Beloved Italian chain Croma is set to close one its restaurants in Chorlton, Manchester, on July 28. The spot first opened in 2005 and underwent a revamp in 2023, with a conservatory extension and external patio dining area added. It is known for its pizzas and other favourites including Tandoori chicken, crab pappardelle and lasagne. In a statement, the bosses of Croma, which will only have one restaurant remaining after the Chorlton closure, said: "After 20 amazing years, we're sadly saying goodbye." "Our beloved Chorlton restaurant will be closing its doors at 10pm on Sunday, July 28. 'Join us one last time and come down to raise a glass and share a slice of fabulous Pizza as we celebrate two decades of incredible memories with our wonderful community. "Let's make these final weeks unforgettable.' Why are restaurants struggling? Restaurant chains have been struggling recently as the higher cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out. Businesses have also been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic. A number have been faced with added costs more recently, including a hike to employer National Insurance contributions and the national minimum wage in April. As a result, a number of chains have been forced to close down or reduce their estate. A recent "red flag" report from consultancy Begbies Traynor found bars and restaurants are under significant financial strain. It found more than 30% were in "critical" financial distress in the preceding 12 months. PEACH, a restaurant group based in East Hertfordshire, recently announced the immediate closure of both its sites after five years. A host of celebrity chefs have been forced to close their restaurants too.
