QazaqGaz Closely Monitors Preparations of the Gas Transmission System for the 2026–2027 Winter Season

QazaqGaz Closely Monitors Preparations of the Gas Transmission System for the 2026-2027 Winter Season

As part of a working visit, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board for Production at JSC NC QazaqGaz, Abzal Kismetov, visited gas infrastructure facilities in the Atyrau and West Kazakhstan regions to review the progress of maintenance works and preparations of the gas transmission system for the 2026-2027 autumn and winter season.

As part of a working visit, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board for Production at JSC NC QazaqGaz, Abzal Kismetov, visited gas infrastructure facilities in the Atyrau and West Kazakhstan regions to review the progress of maintenance works and preparations of the gas transmission system for the 2026-2027 autumn and winter season.

During the site visits, particular attention was given to adherence to project schedules, industrial safety, the quality of maintenance works, and ensuring the reliable operation of the country's main gas transmission pipelines ahead of the peak heating season.

Intergas Central Asia JSC, a subsidiary of QazaqGaz, continues to implement a comprehensive programme to prepare the gas transmission system for winter operation. The primary objective is to ensure the reliable and uninterrupted operation of the trunk pipeline network through timely maintenance and improvements to the technical integrity of production facilities.

To ensure that production assets are fully prepared for winter operating conditions, a comprehensive action plan was approved on 14 April 2026. As of today, 45% of the planned activities have been completed.

The programme includes in-house capital repairs involving the elimination of 461 pipeline defects. To date, 103 defects have been repaired.

In addition, four of the eight major maintenance projects scheduled for completion this year have already been delivered, representing 50% of the planned programme.

One of the key projects in this year's maintenance campaign is the overhaul of the Central Asia-Centre (CAC) gas transmission system.

The 2026 programme предусматривает устранение 4,047 defects on the CAC-5 trunk pipeline and the CAC-4 Looping pipeline. To date, 2,715 defects, or 67% of the planned scope, have been eliminated.

This includes 1,738 defects repaired on the 1,131-1,008 km section of the CAC-5 pipeline and a further 977 defects on the 851-696 km section.

The works are progressing in line with the approved schedule, with construction and commissioning activities, including all required testing, expected to be completed by 30 August 2026.

Commenting on the preparations, Abzal Kismetov said:

"The quality and timely execution of these works are essential to ensuring the reliable transportation of natural gas and the stable operation of Kazakhstan's gas transmission infrastructure during periods of peak demand. Preparations for the autumn and winter season remain under the close supervision of QazaqGaz management."

During the visit, Mr Kismetov also reviewed winter preparedness activities at the West Kazakhstan Production Branch of QazaqGaz Aimaq JSC. The region's gas distribution network extends over more than 10,500 kilometres and supplies natural gas to approximately 219,500 residential customers and 4,637 commercial consumers.

The winter preparedness programme includes:

• emergency response drills and ensuring emergency teams are fully equipped;
• provision of winter protective clothing and footwear for operational personnel;
• maintenance and repair of gas distribution pipelines, including installation of route markers, repair of supports, restoration of anti-corrosion protection, repair of inspection chambers and fencing, valve replacement, and repair of damaged insulation;
• maintenance of gas pressure regulating stations and associated equipment; and
• regular inspection of network equipment, including pressure monitoring and leak detection.

Routine maintenance of pipelines and related infrastructure is also carried out annually to ensure continued operational reliability.

Across Kazakhstan, 40% of the planned winter preparation programme has now been completed. The QazaqGaz Group continues its systematic efforts to ensure safe, reliable and uninterrupted gas supplies to consumers throughout the 2026-2027 heating season.