Kazakhstan insists its giant Kashagan offshore oil field will start commercial output next month – despite an accident halting production.
The Caspian Sea field which finally produced its first oil this month, eight years behind schedule.
But production came to a halt again yesterday after a gas leak at the high-pressure reservoir.
Officials in the country said nobody was injured in the incident, which is to take up to four days to repair
“We believe that it should have no impact,” said Kazakh oil minister Uzakbai Karabalin.
Production must start by Octber or the partners involved in the project face fines from Kazakh authorities.
The $40billion project is estimated to hold around 35billion barrels of oil, with output expected to reach 370,000 barrels per day once up and running.
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