Kazakhstan expects growth of oil export in 2008 to 62.8 m. tons

/REUTERS, Almaty, Amy Filis-Rothman, Maria Gordeeva, October 8, 08/ - Kazakhstan, the largest oil producer in Central Asia, expects export growth to 62.8 m. tons in 2008, Deputy Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Lyazzat Kiinov said on Wednesday. Last year, oil export amounted to 60.8 m. tons. "In 2008, export amounted to 62.8 m. tons" - Kiinov said, speaking at the conference KIOGE-2008. Earlier Kazakhstan announced on intention to increase oil production to 100 m. tons by year 2015 and become one of the key players on the world market. Next year Kazakhstan plans to increase volume of oil production to 70 m. tons from the expected 67-70 m. tons in 2008. Last year oil and gas condensate production amounted 67.5 m. tons. "Production of natural gas in Kazakhstan in 2010 will make 42.6 bn., in 2015 - 61.5 bn. cubic meters" - Deputy Minister said. In 2007 Production of natural gas in Kazakhstan made 29.6 bn. cubic meters. Production of tank gas in 2010 is expected at 32.6 bn. cubic meters. "Proved reserves of natural gas in Kazakhstan make 3.3 trl. cubic meters" - he said. [2008-10-08]