Kashagan oil production starts no later than October 2013 – Minister Karabalin
09:30, 18 July 2013
ASTANA. July 18. KAZINFORM - Experimental commercial oil production at Kashagan deposit will begin no later than October the current year, said Uzakbai Karabalin, Minister of Oil and Gas of Kazakhstan, being on a visit to Atyrau region.
"In general, the project readiness is 98 percent. We have examined the state of availability of the islands where oil will come from. It is hoped that the operation will start in October. There are kilometers of pipeline facilities which should be connected and work smoothly, without a single mistake or leak. Therefore, the responsibility is very high. Do not get excited.
But at the same time, we see that contractors are working very hard. Those results, following the equipment testing, are encouraging. And we hope that this year will be successful", said U.Karabalin.