The PetroProcurement-2025 roundtable, dedicated to procurement and supply chain management in the oil and gas sector, recently took place in Atyrau. The event, organized by the PetroCouncil  gathered representatives from government agencies, international operators, national companies, service companies, and industry experts.

In his opening address at PetroProcurement-2025, Assylbek Jakiyev, Chairman of PetroCouncil, presented a detailed analysis of industry procurement. He noted that the "three pillars" traditionally leading the sector – Tengizchevroil (TCO), NCOC, and KPO – are now being joined by three major projects: the construction of polyethylene production plants by "Silleno", butadiene production, and a gas separation complex with ethane and propane pipelines by "KMG PetroChem".

According to Jakiyev, given the lack of large-scale projects at TCO, NCOC, and KPO in the coming years, significant opportunities are opening up for local suppliers of goods, works, and services (GWS). This includes projects such as the construction of gas processing plants at Zhanaozen ($350 million), the Bozoy–Shymkent gas pipeline ($1.5 billion), and the development of the Kalamkas-Khazar offshore field ($6.6 billion).

Nurlan Sharipov, Deputy General Director of "Samruk-Kazyna Contract", provided details on the support mechanisms for local goods producers (LGP) operating within Samruk-Kazyna. He covered the development of in-country value (ICV), the procurement regulation framework, the current import substitution program, and the procedures for concluding and executing off-take contracts.

“Overall, the Fund's procurement volume amounts to about 7.5 trillion tenge, which includes GWS plus long-term contracts. The share of in-country value increases annually, averaging 82%, which is a high indicator compared to other regulated procurement,” he emphasized.

Anuar Metkerim, Sector Head of the Procurement and Supply Department at KMG, presented the web portal price.kmg.kz. Developed for the KMG group of companies, the portal is designed to facilitate effective interaction with potential suppliers regarding the pricing policy for goods supplied. It simplifies the process of market price analysis for both customers and suppliers and ensures pricing transparency.

“The portal will continue to evolve. Specifically, we plan to introduce AI technologies for data processing, forecasting, and accelerating decision-making within the framework of marketing analysis and regulatory documents,” he informed the roundtable participants.

Alibek Sabyrbay, Director of the Procurement and Local Content Department at QazaqGaz, discussed in-country value, the import substitution program, and procurement volumes from LGPs. He reported that during the first 11 months of the current year, the company purchased goods worth 16.8 billion tenge, with 10.6 billion tenge representing the share of LGPs included in the Samruk-Kazyna Fund register.

Speeches by international operators’ representatives—Klara Zholdasbayeva, Production Supply  Group Supervisor at TCO, and Joshi Sangib, General Manager for Contracts and Procurement at NCOC—focused on Kazakhstani content in materials, key commodity groups, sustainable supply chains, and the involvement of local manufacturers.

Particular attention was given to the development of Kazakhstani content in major petrochemical projects, including the polyethylene production project by "Silleno". It was noted that the company is establishing a systematic approach to support local manufacturers and increase their participation in the procurement processes of EPC contractors.

Ilyas Abuov, Commercial Director of KazPetrol GROUP and a representative of the PetroMining association, criticized certain norms within the current GWS procurement rules that oil production companies face, arguing they hinder the development of in-country value.

For instance, the regulation requiring mandatory procurement from a single producer listed in the LGP register effectively creates a monopoly and contradicts competition principles, leading to price increases and risks of supply disruption.

The speaker, on behalf of the association, proposed several targeted amendments aimed at enhancing transparency, competition, supporting local manufacturers, and complying with international obligations.

Talgat Alimgaliyev, Executive Director of "PetroPrime", presented his company, highlighting its 17 years of experience and impeccable reputation. PetroPrime offers integrated services: transportation and storage of oil products, quality control, security, inspection, distribution, and, if required, fuel accounting at the client's facilities. The company positions itself not merely as a supplier but as a partner that mitigates risks and ensures uninterrupted operations. PetroPrime’s reliability is underpinned by a professional, regularly trained team. Its client base includes leading oil, mining, construction, and service companies. Amid increasing market demands, PetroPrime remains committed to the principles of reliability, transparency, and respect for partners, offering clients confidence in their future operations.

Vaternas Atyrau was presented as a prime example of an efficient and sustainable logistics system. This project, implemented by Infinity Group, was a response to the challenges of the pandemic, when global restrictions and supply chain disruptions highlighted the need for proprietary storage and distribution capacity.

“We started accepting batches of goods and placing them in specialized warehouses for long-term secure storage,” said Anastasia Kotelnikova, Executive Director for Business Development at Infinity Group. “As a result, a logistics base was created that can ensure stable supplies under any conditions.”

Today, Vaternas Atyrau supplies key regional facilities: Tengiz, Karabatan, the "Silleno" project, and Infinity Group’s city assets. Proprietary capacity and a well-established procurement system guarantee operational efficiency and resilient supply chains. Vaternas Atyrau is a strategic link within the Infinity Group ecosystem and a reliable foundation for the company’s future growth.

The roundtable continued with a panel session where participants discussed procurement strategies and methodologies, contract performance management, vendor relations, pricing, and other related topics.

PetroCouncil, for its part, confirmed its intention to continue raising these and other issues within the framework of the Working Group of the Ministry of Energy, which monitors the compliance with local content requirements in major oil and gas petrochemical projects.

The partners of PetroProcurement-2025 included PetroPrime, Infinity Group, KMG Aero, Terranova Kazakhstan, AYACOM, SAMAL, as well as the PR agency “Business so Smyslom” (Business with Meaning).