Kazakhstan has built up 4.1 million tonnes of coal stocks at its thermal power plants in preparation for the upcoming heating season, according to the country's Ministry of Transport.

Since May 1, 17.8 million tonnes of coal have been delivered to thermal power plants, with a further 1.2 million tonnes supplied to the communal sector. Current stocks stand at 4.1 million tonnes at thermal plants and 300,000 tonnes within the communal sector.

To guarantee stable, timely coal deliveries through the heating season, Kazakhstan is rolling out a comprehensive action plan, prioritizing uninterrupted fuel supply for energy and communal facilities and optimizing railway infrastructure utilization amid peak-demand periods.

National rail operator Kaztemirtrans deploys a fleet of 29,000 open-top wagons, deemed sufficient to cover coal-transport requirements for power utilities, households and industrial consumers.

The Ministry of Energy has put in place a unified digital tracking system, enabling real-time monitoring of coal across its full supply chain, from extraction through transportation to end-user delivery and sales.

As previously reported, Kazakhstan emerged as the EU's third-largest crude oil import source and fourth-biggest coal supplier in the first quarter of 2026. The country also holds coal reserves large enough to sustain output for more than 300 years.