Russia's Rosneft Signs Deal to Supply Additional 2.5 Million Tons Oil to China via Kazakhstan

Russia's state-controlled oil company Rosneft has signed an agreement with China to supply an additional 2.5 million tons of crude oil annually via Kazakhstan, as announced by Russian Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev during the 10th Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok. This agreement follows a Russian government decree issued earlier in May that increased the maximum oil supply to refineries in western China from 10 million to 12.5 million tons and extended the supply period until 2034. The increase in oil supplies was initiated by China, with Russia ready to accommodate this demand and Transneft tasked with finding technical solutions to expand exports through Kazakhstan. The agreement was part of broader energy cooperation solidified during Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent visit to China, which also saw Gazprom sign a deal to build a second major natural gas pipeline to China. Putin highlighted the importance of new routes through Kazakhstan for stabilizing the global economy, especially in the Asia-Pacific region, and strengthening market operations. The developments underscore deepening Russia-China ties amid evolving geopolitical dynamics and energy markets.