Is Q8 replacing KPC?

20/12/2025

Kuwait Petroleum International (Q8) strengthens global position with European expansion

Recent reports announced the formation of a new petroleum company under the name “Q8 International” with functions and responsibilities similar to those of the current Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC). This suggests that the new company will take over most of the roles currently handled by KPC. However, the newly established company will not be involved in marine operations, such as owning oil tankers or other seabased activities, leaving the Kuwait Oil Tanker Company (KOTC) unaffected. The new company will also take on additional responsibilities, including entering the field of new energy development, specifically the replacement of hydrocarbons, under its umbrella. Despite these additions, the overall functions of Q8 International will largely mirror those of the existing KPC.

The main question being raised is - what will happen to the current KPC? The corporation is already managing ten subsidiary companies, and it is unclear whether this new company will require a complete reorganization or simply operate with additional functions. A major concern is staffing, whether new employees will be recruited or current staff will be transferred. The new company cannot realistically start with recruits while also absorbing existing staff, as KPC and its subsidiaries are already overstaffed.

This, however, reflects the reality, as job opportunities are limited, with many new graduates hesitant or concerned about joining private companies. Alternatively, the new company could take a more aggressive approach by restructuring KPC’s operations, reducing its ten subsidiary petroleum companies and privatizing non-core functions. Its focus would then be on its main activities of exploration, crude oil production, and the sale of refined products. Gas station operations could be fully transferred to private local companies, as is currently the case, while the Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC) should continue to operate under strict monitoring and regulatory oversight.

It is time to revitalize the oil sector. This includes closely monitoring and evaluating KPC’s experience, assessing its successes, failures, and overall scale. It may also be time to consider privatizing some of its functions, which were originally fully or partially privately owned and achieved notable results under government regulations. Two main industries previously privately owned were oil tankers and petrochemical companies, while KNPC’s refining operations included 40% private ownership. Replacing KPC with Q8 should involve a major overhaul of the oil sector. This presents an opportunity to reassess certain local operations, such as downstream activities at service stations and aviation refueling services. It should bring fresh, innovative ideas and updated approaches to the industry. Q8, welcome back to Kuwait after an absence of more than 40 years.

By Kamel Al-Harami, Independent Oil Analyst
Email: [email protected]