Kazakhstan: Crude Accountability highlights toxic emission violations at Kokzhide oil field, endangering health of local population, incl. cos. non‑responses
On 14 May 2026, Crude Accountability issued a letter to China National Petroleum Corporation, KMK Munai, Ada Oil, Kazakhoil Aktobe, and Urikhtau Operating raising concerns over multiple cases of hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide emissions significantly exceeding permitted limits in the villages of Kenkiyak and Shubarshi, adjacent to the Kokzhide oil field, posing risks to the health and well-being of local communities. The authors of the letter called on the companies to halt their activities at the site immediately and invited them to comment on the situation. The companies did not respond.
Business and Human Rights Centre followed up with China National Petroleum Corporation, KMK Munai, Ada Oil, Kazakhoil Aktobe, and KazMunayGas (on behalf of Urikhtau Operating), inviting them to respond to the allegations. None of the companies replied.