Kuwait city: Kuwait Petroleum International (Q8) signed two strategic agreements with Italy's Eni and Oman's OQ Group to develop major energy and petrochemical projects on the sidelines of the Kuwait Oil and Gas Show (KOGS 2026).
According to Kuwait News Agency, Q8's agreement with Eni involves the construction of an industrial complex for biofuel production in Sicily, Italy. Shafi Al-Ajmi, CEO of Q8, emphasized that this joint investment represents an important step in enhancing the biofuel production capabilities of both companies and reinforces their partnership, which began at the Milazzo refinery in 1996. The complex will employ Eni's Ecofining technology to convert vegetable oil waste into renewable biofuel, with an annual production capacity of 500,000 metric tons, producing hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) biodiesel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
Al-Ajmi noted that these biofuels are projected to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 65 percent compared to conventional fossil fuels, thus supporting decarbonization efforts in the transport sectors and aligning with Kuwait Petroleum Corporation's 2050 energy transition strategy.
In a separate agreement, Q8 partnered with Oman's OQ Group to establish a petrochemical complex in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm. OQ Group CEO Ashraf Al-Mamari stated that this project demonstrates the partners' commitment to advancing a venture that supports regional cooperation, economic diversification, and Oman Vision 2040. Al-Ajmi added that the project would enhance economic ties between Kuwait and Oman's energy sectors by capitalizing on Duqm's strategic location and infrastructure.
Since its establishment in 1983, Q8 has operated as a global marketing subsidiary of Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC), managing over 4,800 retail fuel stations in Europe, including more than 2,800 in Italy. The company also supplies aviation fuel to international airports, markets lubricants, and holds stakes in refineries across Italy, Vietnam, and Oman through partnerships with global oil companies.