After declaration of Kazakhstan's independence the legal and regulatory framework satisfying the market economy requirements began developing. The legal environment for business development, for attraction of investments in the economy of developing Kazakhstan was created. The petroleum legislation was then very loyal: subsoil users enlisted the State support, were secured by legislation stability and tax privileges.

But recently the tendency of stiffening or severization of the petroleum legislation can be observed in Kazakhstan, the legal norms and rules restricting enforcement of the rights under the subsoil use projects are introduced, the States interest are more and more often taken into consideration. In addition to the changes to the petroleum legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan as made in December 2004, which provisions are still being discussed by investors, scientists and lawyers, the draft amendments and changes to the subsoil use and oil development operations legislation have been developed.

On 8th September 2005 by the Decree № 902 as of 8 September 2005 of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan the Draft Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan «On Introduction of Changes and Amendments into some Legislative Acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Subsoil Use and Oil Development Operations in the Republic of Kazakhstan» (hereinafter referred to as the «Draft Law») was introduced to the Mazhilis at the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan.