With three distinct component units, the expansive Al-Zour refinery emerges as a cornerstone of the Middle East’s refining landscape.
This week, Kuwait proudly announced a significant achievement in its energy sector, with its refining capacity reaching an unprecedented 1.8 million barrels per day (bpd) upon the formal inauguration of one of the region’s largest refineries. The Al-Zour refinery, operating at maximum capacity in recent months, represents a substantial leap forward in Kuwait’s refining capabilities.
Emphasizing this milestone, Oil Minister Emad Mohammed al-Atiqi remarked, “We have achieved an unparalleled refining capacity of 1.83 million bpd, both domestically and internationally.”
Moreover, al-Atiqi highlighted the remarkable growth in domestic refining capacity, stating, “The refining capacity of our domestic refineries now stands at 1.415 million bpd,” showcasing a significant increase from the 2021 capacity of 600,000 bpd.
As a key member of OPEC, Kuwait has set ambitious targets, aiming to achieve a production capacity of 4 million bpd by 2035.
Currently, Kuwait operates three refineries within its borders and an additional three abroad, located in Oman, Vietnam, and Italy.
Strategically positioned 90 kilometers (55 miles) south of Kuwait City, the Al-Zour refinery symbolizes Kuwait’s commitment to advancing its energy infrastructure.
Initiated in 2015 with contracts totaling $13.2 billion, the construction of the refinery faced challenges, including delays attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic. Originally scheduled for operations in 2019, the refinery overcame these obstacles and commenced full-scale production in 2022, marking a significant milestone in Kuwait’s energy journey.