Karachaganak Field Cuts Output 25-30% After Ukrainian Drone Hits Russian Plant

Kazakhstan's Karachaganak oil and gas condensate field has reduced production by 25% to 30% following a Ukrainian drone strike on Russia's Orenburg gas processing plant, one of the world's largest facilities handling gas from Karachaganak. Output dropped to between 25,000 and 28,000 metric tons per day from the usual 35,000-35,500 tons, as confirmed by multiple sources and Kazakhstan's Energy Ministry. Ukraine confirmed targeting the Orenburg plant and an oil refinery in Russia's Samara region, continuing its recent campaign against Russian energy infrastructure. The Karachaganak field is operated by an international consortium including Chevron, Shell, Eni, Lukoil, and KazMunayGaz. Kazakhstan expects production to return to normal once the Orenburg plant resumes operations, highlighting the impact of regional geopolitical tensions on energy supply chains.