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Kazakhstan’s Energy Ministry has launched a tender to select an experienced company to take over trust management of two confiscated oil assets in Mangystau—Mangystau Oil Refinery LLP and the Meliana tanker—until they are sold at auction. The interim step is designed to stabilize production, protect jobs and ensure salaries and mandatory payments are made while ownership is resolved.

This was reported by the Infohub.kz news agency.

What the tender covers

According to the ministry, trust management will be introduced under a first‑instance court ruling in Aktau dated 3 December 2025 and will remain in effect until the state auction is completed. The trustee will be responsible for uninterrupted operations, timely wage payments to the refinery workforce and tanker crew, and fulfillment of tax and other statutory obligations.

Who can apply

The competition is open to financially sound firms with relevant expertise and resources, including companies active in oil refining and maritime operations. Authorities expect transparent, efficient management that preserves industrial output and social stability at the site and aboard the vessel.

How the assets were seized

The assets were seized as part of a criminal case involving illegal fuel exports via the Aktau port. In September 2025, a court sentenced five individuals linked to Mangystau Oil Refinery LLP and affiliated entities to eight years in prison each for smuggling oil disguised as “stove fuel.” State losses exceeded 1.16 billion tenge, and the refinery, the Meliana tanker, oil products and related real estate were transferred to state ownership.

Why it matters

Maintaining continuous operations at the refinery and keeping the tanker crew employed are critical for the regional economy and supply stability. By appointing a temporary manager ahead of the auction, the government aims to prevent downtime, safeguard livelihoods and uphold compliance while seeking a long‑term owner.