Kazakh authorities have resumed enforcement proceedings to collect a $5.22 billion fine from North Caspian Operating Company (NCOC), a consortium that includes Shell, TotalEnergies and ExxonMobil. The move followed a Kazakh court’s dismissal of the consortium’s legal challenge.
The fine relates to alleged environmental violations at the Kashagan offshore oilfield, where the consortium is accused of exceeding permitted sulfur storage limits. Kashagan is one of the world’s largest oil discoveries in recent decades.
NCOC disputes the allegations and says it is contesting the penalty. Shell holds a 16.81% interest in the venture.