Kazakhstan could divert its natural gas supplies from the largest deposit in Karachaganak to China if it fails to sign a contract with Russia.

      According to Kazakh Minister of Oil and Gas cited by Novosti Kazakhstan news agency, Astana is not satisfied with the price that Russia currently pays for supplies.

      At the moment, Russia buys Kazakh natural gas for $200 for 1,000 cubic meters, the country’s vice-premier told Kommersant daily in February, while its close neighbours, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, get as much as $300.

      According to the official, China would be ready to pay at least $300.