Kuwait plans to raise production of non-associated gas to nearly 500 million standard cubic feet per day by end of 2018, Oil Minister Bakhit Al-Rashidi says.

Kuwait’s consumption of natural gas is about 60 per cent for the refining and petrochemical sectors while the remaining 40 per cent for power generation sector, says the minister.

Kuwait Petroleum Corporation has realised the growing role of the private sector and moved early on to outsource many services and materially locally, thus contributing to the growth and competitiveness of the private sector.

The execution of long-term strategy will enable the oil sector to move forward and adapt to the future successfully, he says.

"Hence, we can meet our share within the growing energy demand worldwide as a reliable producer and supplier of oil to the world, as well as maintain economic sustainability and prosperity for the state of Kuwait, enhancing and strengthening KPC`s future role and the Kuwait economy," says Rashidi, also the Minister of Electricity and Water.He states further: "We believe that the future expansion of energy demand requires timely investments in all forms of energy. We urge for the development of clean fossil fuels and for the promotion of associated technologies including the effective usage of carbon capture and storage.

"This would indeed require global collaboration that ensures gradual pursuance based on commercial viability as well as technical feasibility. Kuwait aspires to assure that it is fully committed to contribute to the security of supplies to the international markets through continuing investing in expanding its capacity."

For his part, Nizar Al-Adsani, the KPC CEO, says KPC’s 2040 strategic direction has set an ambitious road map for the Kuwaiti oil sector to execute mega projects inside and outside the State of Kuwait on various aspects, with the ultimate goal to maximise revenue generation to the Kuwait`s economy.