Kazakhstan is aiming to significantly increase its oil production by tapping into the vast reserves beneath its western steppe, with the Tengiz field at the forefront of this effort. The Tengiz field, located more than two miles below the surface, has been producing oil for over three decades and recently underwent an expansion project that has boosted output to one million barrels a day, according to recent reports.

The increased production at Tengiz is expected to have a substantial impact on Kazakhstan's economy, the largest in Central Asia. The field's success has also been a boon for Chevron, the American oil giant, which holds a 50 percent stake in Tengizchevroil (TCO), the company that operates the field. Chevron's involvement, along with that of Exxon Mobil in other Kazakh projects, provides Kazakhstan with a crucial link to the West, especially given its extensive border with Russia.

The Tengiz field is comprised of porous rocks formed from the remains of ancient marine life, creating an ideal reservoir for oil. Stanley Reed, an energy correspondent who visited the Tengiz oil field and the oil hub of Atyrau, noted the field's significant contribution to Kazakhstan's economic development. The expansion project, completed recently, involved substantial investment and technological upgrades to enhance extraction capabilities.

Kazakhstan's reliance on oil revenue makes it vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil prices. Diversifying the economy and investing in renewable energy sources are key challenges for the country. However, in the short term, increasing oil production from fields like Tengiz remains a central strategy for economic growth.

The future development of Kazakhstan's oil sector will likely involve further technological advancements and international partnerships. The country continues to explore new fields and optimize existing operations to maximize its oil output. The success of these efforts will be critical in shaping Kazakhstan's economic trajectory in the coming years.