Connection

popular articles

RBM signs agreement for 140 MW of wind power
SERMATEC completes major energy storage project in Eastern Europe
SBM Offshore and Technip Energies launch Ekwil, a JV dedicated to offshore wind energy
Japan seeks to boost LNG stocks following heatwave
France: Political uncertainty threatens energy conversion in Saint-Avold

Kuwait dominates ship fuel sales to Qatar as Al Zour refinery finds new markets

Kuwait's Al Zour refinery becomes the main supplier of marine fuel to Qatar, while exports of jet fuel and low-sulfur fuel oil to Europe increase, boosting production in the Middle East.

Please share:

The Al Zour refinery makes Kuwait the main supplier of marine fuel to Qatar, boosting exports and production.

Kuwait becomes Qatar’s main supplier of marine fuel

Kuwait becomes Qatar’s main supplier of marine fuel. Its Al Zour refinery is gaining market share and offers heavy fuel oil, jet fuel, diesel, naphtha and gasoline. Al Zour shipped around 3 million barrels of fuel oil to Qatar in 2023, taking over from last year’s suppliers, including Bahrain, Malaysia and Singapore, according to Kpler’s shipment data. In November, the refinery began exporting jet fuel, naphtha and low-sulfur fuel oil. It activated its first crude oil distillation unit. It is targeting 615,000 b/d of production by the end of the year. Exports of ultra-low sulfur fuel oil to Qatar reached a record 27,000 b/d in March, according to Kpler. Exports continue, with Doha receiving 20,000 b/d of VLSFO in June and 19,000 b/d in July.

“Qatar had to import VLSFO from as far afield as Malaysia and India in 2021 and 2022, but in 2023 Kuwait became Qatar’s sole supplier of VLSFO,” said Iman Nasseri, Middle East Director at Facts Global Energy in Dubai.

“Singapore mainly imported VLSFO from Malaysia in 2022, but total net exports from Malaysia fell sharply in 2023, as Singapore procured more VLSFO from Kuwait after Al-Zour came on stream at the end of 2022.”

Al Zour boosts fuel and diesel production

Al Zour is expected to significantly increase refining volumes in the Middle East in the third quarter, with an increase of around 350,000 b/d compared with the second quarter, according to S&P Global Commodity Insights’ August forecast. Fuel oil production will also benefit from the ramp-up of Al Zour in the second half of the year. Al Zour hopes to double its jet fuel exports to Europe this year compared with last, according to S&P Global. It will also help the Middle East increase diesel/gasoil production to over 3 million b/d for the first time.

Flows to Europe and refinery expansion

In this way, flows to Qatar follow the earlier ramp-up of Kuwait’s own products to Europe. Exports reached a record 410,000 b/d in June. In July, they fell to 302,000 b/d, according to Kpler. Europe favors alternatives to Russian imports. In July, the Kuwait National Petroleum Company exported 35,000 tons of Al Ahmadi premium 95 to Europe via the tanker Pacific Sarah. Al Zour will direct at least two-thirds of its production to foreign markets. This decision differs from the initial plans to replace fuel oil used to generate electricity in Kuwait. Sheikh Khaled al-Sabah, Managing Director of International Marketing at Kuwait Petroleum Corp. made the announcement at the Middle East Petroleum & Gas conference in Dubai. In November, the refinery exported naphtha, jet fuel and low-sulfur fuel oil. This follows the commissioning of its distillation unit. The Clean Fuels project has modernized the Mina al-Ahmadi and Mina Abdullah refineries. They form an 800,000 b/d complex, with production to Euro-4 and Euro-5 standards.

 

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Latest news

Scotland Adds 195 MW of Wind Energy and Storage Capacity with Boralex
A 300 MW Solar Project in Texas Backed by Meta and Longroad Energy
China and Ant Digital Technologies secure 200 million for solar assets
South Africa awards Scatec a 288 MW solar energy project
The United States Achieves 2 GW of Solar Energy Capacity Through CS Energy

Recently published in

Drone Attack in Russia Hits Oryol Depot with 20 Devices

The fuel depot in Stalnoy Kon, Oryol region, Russia, was targeted by a drone attack involving 20 devices, intensifying tensions around strategic energy infrastructure.
Belarus resumes 1.5 million barrels of crude oil via Druzhba pipeline
Crude oil deliveries to Belarus via the Druzhba pipeline have resumed, impacting several European countries after a disruption caused by a technical incident.
en_11401011540
Belarus resumes 1.5 million barrels of crude oil via Druzhba pipeline
Crude oil deliveries to Belarus via the Druzhba pipeline have resumed, impacting several European countries after a disruption caused by a technical incident.
en_11401011540
The European Union Threatened by U.S. Tariffs on 58 Million Tons of LNG
Donald Trump, the president-elect of the United States, demands increased European imports of oil and liquefied natural gas, threatening the European Union with tariffs, a move that could disrupt global energy trade.
en_11401004540
The European Union Threatened by U.S. Tariffs on 58 Million Tons of LNG
Donald Trump, the president-elect of the United States, demands increased European imports of oil and liquefied natural gas, threatening the European Union with tariffs, a move that could disrupt global energy trade.
en_11401004540
Guyana-Venezuela tensions after military bridge inauguration on Essequibo
Guyana has officially protested against the construction of a military bridge by Venezuela on Anacoco Island, at the heart of the disputed Essequibo territory, a strategic 160,000 km² region.
en_1140988540
Guyana-Venezuela tensions after military bridge inauguration on Essequibo
Guyana has officially protested against the construction of a military bridge by Venezuela on Anacoco Island, at the heart of the disputed Essequibo territory, a strategic 160,000 km² region.
en_1140988540

Niger: Orano challenges the withdrawal of its permit for 200,000 tons of uranium

The French group Orano initiates an international arbitration process following Niger’s suspension of its exploitation permit for the Imouraren deposit, a strategic resource estimated at 200,000 tons of uranium.
Romania supports Moldova in facing the winter energy crisis
Amid uncertainty over Russian gas deliveries to Transnistria, Romania commits to ensuring Moldova's energy security this winter, with emergency measures for electricity and gas supplies.
en_1140924540
Romania supports Moldova in facing the winter energy crisis
Amid uncertainty over Russian gas deliveries to Transnistria, Romania commits to ensuring Moldova's energy security this winter, with emergency measures for electricity and gas supplies.
en_1140924540
Norwegian Oil and Gas Investments: 4% Increase Expected in 2025
The Norwegian industry anticipates a 4% increase in offshore investments in 2025, reaching NOK 275 billion, with enhanced exploration to slow the natural production decline.
en_1140923540
Norwegian Oil and Gas Investments: 4% Increase Expected in 2025
The Norwegian industry anticipates a 4% increase in offshore investments in 2025, reaching NOK 275 billion, with enhanced exploration to slow the natural production decline.
en_1140923540
The EU Targets Rosneft and 52 Russian Ships to Counter Sanctions Evasion
The European Union strengthens its sanctions against Russia by blacklisting additional ships and entities linked to Rosneft to combat evasion of the G7 price caps on Russian oil exports.
en_1140921540
The EU Targets Rosneft and 52 Russian Ships to Counter Sanctions Evasion
The European Union strengthens its sanctions against Russia by blacklisting additional ships and entities linked to Rosneft to combat evasion of the G7 price caps on Russian oil exports.
en_1140921540

The OPEC Fund approves nearly one billion dollars for strategic global projects

The OPEC Fund has validated a financing portfolio totaling nearly one billion dollars in the fourth quarter of 2024, distributed across structuring projects in governance, infrastructure, and trade in several strategic regions.
The depreciation of the won worsens South Korean refiners’ losses amidst political turmoil
The decline of the won against the dollar exposes South Korean refiners to significant losses on crude import costs, while the political crisis surrounding martial law undermines investor confidence.
en_1140909540
The depreciation of the won worsens South Korean refiners’ losses amidst political turmoil
The decline of the won against the dollar exposes South Korean refiners to significant losses on crude import costs, while the political crisis surrounding martial law undermines investor confidence.
en_1140909540
The United Kingdom and Norway announce a strategic energy partnership
London and Oslo announce a future industrial partnership focused on renewable energy and carbon capture, aiming to secure their energy and economic interests.
en_1140911540
The United Kingdom and Norway announce a strategic energy partnership
London and Oslo announce a future industrial partnership focused on renewable energy and carbon capture, aiming to secure their energy and economic interests.
en_1140911540
Les « shadow tankers » : un réseau clandestin qui alimente les revenus pétroliers russes et iraniens
Les « shadow tankers » : un réseau clandestin qui alimente les revenus pétroliers russes et iraniens
en_1140874540
Les « shadow tankers » : un réseau clandestin qui alimente les revenus pétroliers russes et iraniens
Les « shadow tankers » : un réseau clandestin qui alimente les revenus pétroliers russes et iraniens
en_1140874540

Canada and the United States Join Forces to Secure Critical Minerals in Yukon

A joint investment between Canada and the United States aims to develop Yukon’s infrastructure and accelerate the exploitation of critical minerals essential for North American security and clean energy.
The United States Prepares to Sanction the Serbian Oil Industry Controlled by Russia
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic warns of imminent US sanctions against NIS, majority-owned by Gazprom Neft and Gazprom. A decision that could escalate geopolitical tensions in Europe.
en_1140891540
The United States Prepares to Sanction the Serbian Oil Industry Controlled by Russia
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic warns of imminent US sanctions against NIS, majority-owned by Gazprom Neft and Gazprom. A decision that could escalate geopolitical tensions in Europe.
en_1140891540
Ontario threatens to cut electricity exports to the U.S. in response to Trump’s plans
Faced with Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs, Ontario’s Premier considers suspending electricity exports to several U.S. states, jeopardizing the supply of 12 billion kWh annually.
en_1140856540
Ontario threatens to cut electricity exports to the U.S. in response to Trump’s plans
Faced with Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs, Ontario’s Premier considers suspending electricity exports to several U.S. states, jeopardizing the supply of 12 billion kWh annually.
en_1140856540
Germany and Nigeria Strengthen Cooperation in Energy Diplomacy
During a visit to Abuja, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his Nigerian counterpart Bola Ahmed Tinubu discussed their energy partnership, focusing on renewable energy and hydrogen.
en_1140852540
Germany and Nigeria Strengthen Cooperation in Energy Diplomacy
During a visit to Abuja, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his Nigerian counterpart Bola Ahmed Tinubu discussed their energy partnership, focusing on renewable energy and hydrogen.
en_1140852540

EU Adopts 15th Sanctions Package: Russian Tankers Under Pressure

The European Union strengthens sanctions against Russia by targeting new tankers involved in the transport of Russian oil and expanding its blacklist of entities supporting Moscow's military effort.
Ecuador’s Imports of Refined Products Surge Amid Refinery Challenges
Ecuador is experiencing a marked increase in diesel and gasoline imports due to ongoing challenges in its refineries, exacerbated by extended maintenance periods.
en_1140847540
Ecuador’s Imports of Refined Products Surge Amid Refinery Challenges
Ecuador is experiencing a marked increase in diesel and gasoline imports due to ongoing challenges in its refineries, exacerbated by extended maintenance periods.
en_1140847540
The collapse of the Syrian regime halts Iran’s oil exports
The overthrow of the Syrian regime disrupts Iranian oil deliveries, crucial for local energy supply. The cessation of this source highlights the growing energy challenges in the region.
en_1140849540
The collapse of the Syrian regime halts Iran’s oil exports
The overthrow of the Syrian regime disrupts Iranian oil deliveries, crucial for local energy supply. The cessation of this source highlights the growing energy challenges in the region.
en_1140849540
Europe Faces Competitiveness Challenge to Secure LNG Supplies
Global demand for liquefied natural gas (LNG) is rising rapidly. Europe must strengthen its competitiveness to secure supply amidst growing competition from Asian and American markets.
en_1140850540
Europe Faces Competitiveness Challenge to Secure LNG Supplies
Global demand for liquefied natural gas (LNG) is rising rapidly. Europe must strengthen its competitiveness to secure supply amidst growing competition from Asian and American markets.
en_1140850540

Syria: Assad’s Fall Shakes Oil Markets Without Major Disruptions

The collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime has prompted reactions in oil markets, with a moderate rise in prices. The geopolitical implications for the region and their effects on energy supplies remain uncertain.
Aramco reduces prices for Asia: Arab Light crude reaches a four-year low
Faced with weakened demand, Saudi Aramco lowers its official selling prices for Arab Light crude destined for Asia, reaching levels not seen since January 2021. A decision influenced by global dynamics and uncertain market prospects.
en_1140789540
Aramco reduces prices for Asia: Arab Light crude reaches a four-year low
Faced with weakened demand, Saudi Aramco lowers its official selling prices for Arab Light crude destined for Asia, reaching levels not seen since January 2021. A decision influenced by global dynamics and uncertain market prospects.
en_1140789540
Russian Gas: Putin Expands Payment Options Amid US Sanctions
Russian Gas: Putin Expands Payment Options Amid US Sanctions
en_1140775540
Russian Gas: Putin Expands Payment Options Amid US Sanctions
Russian Gas: Putin Expands Payment Options Amid US Sanctions
en_1140775540
The United States Calls for an International Coalition Against Houthi Attacks in the Red Sea
The U.S. administration urges international partners to unite against Iran-backed Houthis responsible for massive attacks on ships in the strategic Red Sea region. Military, economic, and diplomatic stakes are intensifying.
en_1140782540
The United States Calls for an International Coalition Against Houthi Attacks in the Red Sea
The U.S. administration urges international partners to unite against Iran-backed Houthis responsible for massive attacks on ships in the strategic Red Sea region. Military, economic, and diplomatic stakes are intensifying.
en_1140782540

Advertising

LEGAL

FOSSILS

POLICY

RENEWABLE

PLUS

VERVANT

Welcome

Your subscription

Included in this subscription:

COMMUNICATE ON ENERGYNEWS