KUWAIT CITY, Aug 15: The Al-Zour Refinery in Kuwait, which commenced operations in 2022, has been ranked eighth globally among the largest oil refineries. With a refining capacity of 615,000 barrels per day, it accounts for 8.54% of the total refining operations carried out by the ten largest refineries worldwide, which collectively process 7.2 million barrels of crude oil daily.

According to a report by Offshore Technology, as highlighted by Global Data, the Al-Zour Refinery is the only Gulf and Arab refinery to make the list of the top ten largest refineries globally. The refinery, owned by the Kuwait Integrated Petroleum Industries Company (KIPIC), received a score of 7.1 on the net refining index. It was specifically designed to handle heavy crude oil and produce high-value derivatives.

The operation of the Al-Zour Refinery is set to significantly enhance Kuwait’s refining capacity, positioning the country to better cater to both regional and global markets. The global oil industry, which plays a crucial role in powering economies and industries worldwide, consists of a complex network of refineries.

Currently, there are 825 active refineries globally, with the sector expected to see substantial growth. The capacity of crude distillation units (CDUs), a key measure of refining capability, is projected to increase by 15% between 2023 and 2027.

The top ten oil refineries by CDU capacity worldwide in 2022 are as follows:

1. Paraguana Refinery, Venezuela – 955,000 barrels per day (established in 1949)
2. Ulsan Refinery, South Korea – 840,000 barrels per day (established in 1964)
3. Ruwais Refinery, South Korea – 800,000 barrels per day (established in 1969)
4. Daewooshan Island Refinery, China – 800,000 barrels per day (established in 2019)
5. Jamnagar Refinery II, India – 707,000 barrels per day (built in 2008)
6. Jamnagar Refinery I, India – 660,000 barrels per day (started operating in 1999)
7. Port Arthur Refinery II, United States – 635,000 barrels per day (built in 1903)
8. Al-Zour Refinery, Kuwait – 615,000 barrels per day (fully operational in 2022)
9. Texas City Refinery III, United States – 593,000 barrels per day (built in 1934)
10. Gurun Island Refinery I, Singapore – 592,000 barrels per day (built in 1966)

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