Construction of the Ishim-Astana main gas pipeline, intended to connect Kazakhstan’s northern regions with Russia’s gas transportation system, is set to be completed by late 2029, the Kazakh Energy Ministry said in its response to an official inquiry from Qazinform News Agency.
The project was formalized on October 9, 2025, when the governments of Kazakhstan and Russia’s Gazprom signed a memorandum on the construction of the Ishim-Astana main gas pipeline. According to the Energy Ministry, work is currently underway to revise the feasibility study for the second and third stages of the Saryarka main gas pipeline, taking into account the new configuration of the Ishim-Astana project.
At the current stage, the collection of initial data and development of technical solutions are underway, including issues related to the pipeline route and the composition of gas transportation infrastructure facilities, said the ministry. The final technical specifications and list of infrastructure facilities will be determined after the relevant design documentation has been prepared and approved.
The Kazakhstani section of the project is being developed by AstanaGaz KMG, which is under the trust management of national gas company QazaqGaz. The ministry said that moving to the next stage of construction will depend on reaching agreements with the Russian side on economic and other key conditions for gas supplies, as well as the sides making a final investment decision.
The project’s cost has not yet been determined. Its economic parameters are expected to become clear following the revision of the feasibility study and subsequent design and survey work. Under the preliminary plans, the pipeline would run from the Kazakhstan-Russia border through North Kazakhstan and Akmola regions toward Petropavl and Kokshetau, before connecting to the existing Saryarka main gas pipeline near Astana.
The exact route, including the specific districts and settlements it will pass through, will be established following design and survey work. The route will take into account technical, land-use and environmental requirements. Preliminary technical plans also include the construction of the necessary gas transportation infrastructure to supply Petropavl and Kokshetau with natural gas.
This is expected to include branch pipelines toward the two cities and automated gas distribution stations. Up to 6.3 billion cubic meters of gas annually