By September, Kuwait’s output of heavy crude oil is estimated to hit 75,000 bpd as the state-run KPC’s upstream arm KOC has been increasing production.
KOC’s production from the South Ratqa heavy oil field is expected to reach its phase one plateau target of 60,000 bpd in September, from 11,000 bpd in late February when production started. At the end of May, production had risen to 38,000 bpd.
The country’s other field, Umm Niqa, has been producing heavy grade by 15,000 bpd since 2016. Within two years, the field is targeted to increase output to 50,000 bpd and by 2040, the production is set for 430,000 bpd.
Previously, in 2019, Kuwait elaborated its export of a new heavy crude grade named Kuwait Extra Heavy Crude (KEHC) in the first quarter of this year. The grade will have a gravity of 16°API and a sulfur content of 4.93%.
However, in May, KPC only made the first shipment of the heavy sour South Ratqa crude, which continued in June and July. The exports of South Ratqa will only last until the new 615,000 bpd Al Zour refinery comes online, however, yet according to sources, the process will probably be postponed after several service companies and contractors working on the project have tried to invoke force majeure due to the coronavirus pandemic.
