Fatal gas explosion reignites insecurity over Kazakhstan’s gas-line

A deadly gas cylinder explosion in northern Kazakhstan has once again drawn attention to the country’s ageing energy infrastructure, raising fresh concerns over public safety despite the nation’s vast natural gas reserves.

The explosion occurred in February in the town of Shchuchinsk, where a gas cylinder exploded inside a restaurant, killing 12 people and leaving several others seriously injured.

Among the survivors was 32-year-old Zarina Giyassova, who suffered burns across around 65 per cent of her body. Speaking about the incident, she recalled scenes of panic moments before she lost consciousness.

“The last thing I remember was people burning and screaming,” she said.

Giyassova regained consciousness in hospital, where she was heavily bandaged after sustaining life-threatening injuries.

“I don’t know if I will be able to move my hands again, when I’ll be able to return to work or when life will become normal,” she said.

The restaurant has since been sealed off, with the damaged building covered by metal panels following the devastating blast.

Although Kazakhstan is one of Central Asia’s largest producers of natural gas, its distribution system remains incomplete. Around one-third of the country’s population, roughly 20 million people, still depend on portable gas cylinders for cooking and heating, as central gas pipelines do not reach many communities.

Residents say they have little choice but to continue using the cylinders despite growing safety concerns.

Yaroslav Voronov, who lives in the area, said many people understand the dangers but have no practical alternative.

“Everyone knows there is a risk, but we don’t have access to a central gas network,” he explained.

Safety experts have long warned that much of the equipment still in use is decades old. Government figures indicate that around 350,000 Soviet-era gas cylinders manufactured during the 1970s and 1980s remained in circulation at the end of 2024.

Following the Shchuchinsk explosion, the Kazakh government ordered a review of gas cylinder safety, although officials have yet to announce detailed measures or reforms.

The risks extend beyond homes and businesses. During a routine refill at a local filling station, users are required to check cylinder weight, verify technical information and sign documents accepting responsibility in the event of an accident.

Just weeks after the Shchuchinsk tragedy, emergency services prevented another potentially serious incident by containing a gas leak at a filling station before it could trigger an explosion.

The government has pledged to expand Kazakhstan’s gas pipeline network, aiming to provide gas access to around 65 per cent of the population by 2030.

The programme includes support from Russia, with state-owned energy company Gazprom expected to assist in improving and expanding parts of Kazakhstan’s gas transport infrastructure.

However, experts say progress is likely to remain slow. Kazakhstan’s vast territory, scattered population and the high cost of construction make nationwide pipeline expansion a major engineering and financial challenge.

Analysts also note that regional geopolitical interests involving both Russia and China could influence future energy projects.

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has previously criticised delays in developing new gas fields and has called for faster progress to strengthen the country’s energy supply.

Some residents have chosen to abandon gas altogether in favour of electric appliances.

Erik Bekentaev, who switched to an induction cooker a year ago, believes electricity is a safer and more convenient option.

“We no longer have to transport gas cylinders or carry them upstairs,” he said.

Yet many households remain unable to make the same change. Kazakhstan’s electricity network is also under pressure, with authorities reporting that much of the infrastructure is ageing and in need of significant investment. Frequent power surges and equipment failures have raised concerns about reliability and fire risks.

For many families, the cost of fully electrifying their homes is also prohibitive.

“It would be extremely expensive,” Voronov said.

“For most people, it simply isn’t affordable,” he added.

The Shchuchinsk explosion has therefore become more than an isolated tragedy. It has highlighted the broader challenge facing Kazakhstan as it seeks to modernise its energy system while ensuring that millions of people have access to safe, reliable and affordable power.