It remains to be seen how prominent a role Kaztransoil can really play in Kazakhstan's transportation picture. Shymkent is currently owned by Kazakhstan's largest private bank, Kazkommertsbank. The Atyrau refinery is under the control of Kazakhoil. The three refineries are all producing below their design capacity due to poor maintenance. All of the refineries need funds for repairs and working capital.
Extensive construction continues in Astana, Kazakhstan's new capital.
There are many business opportunities for U.S. suppliers of equipment for gas stations. In other regions new gas stations continue to open despite the fact that a number of gas stations meet demand. Texaco opened up two new gas stations in Astana and Almaty between the end of 1998 and the beginning 1999. In August 1998, Chevron also opened its third gas station in Atyrau. Local production is estimated at less than five percent of the total amount of oil and gas equipment used in Kazakhstan.