OQ8 Celebrates the anniversary of its historic inauguration, ‘OQ8 Day’ with 110% Refining Capacity Milestone

12/02/2025

Duqm Refinery and Petrochemical Industries Company (OQ8) proudly marks the first anniversary of its historic inauguration with OQ8 Day, celebrating a year of remarkable achievements and industry leadership. Since taking over operations, OQ8 has demonstrated exceptional resilience and operational excellence, expanding its refining capacity from 230,000 to 255,000 barrels per day, achieving 110% nameplate capacity. This milestone underscores OQ8’s commitment to driving growth, sustainability, and operational efficiency in the energy sector.

Reflecting on the Company’s accomplishments, David Bird, CEO of OQ8, stated, "Since taking control from the project, OQ8 has demonstrated resilience, strategic foresight, and operational excellence. Our growth reflects the dedication of our team, the strength of our partnerships, and the unwavering support of our shareholders, OQ and KPI, as well as our suppliers & offtakers, OQT and KPCT. This milestone could not have been achieved without their ongoing commitment. As we celebrate this success, we remain focused on driving innovation, sustainability, and long-term value for Oman, Kuwait, and the broader global energy landscape."

A key highlight of OQ8’s journey has been the successful completion of the Lender Reliability Test (LRT) just 10 months after mechanical completion, reinforcing the refinery’s technical prowess, business readiness and operational reliability. Furthermore, OQ8 stands as the first merchant refinery in the Middle East, showcasing its expertise in sourcing and processing diverse crude & feedstock types, and demonstrating its flexibility and commercial strength in a dynamic global market.

OQ8 has also made significant strides in workforce development, achieving a 68% Nationalization rate, up from 60% at the time of operational launch. This milestone reflects OQ8’s dedication to nurturing national talent and supporting Oman’s broader workforce development goals.

OQ8’s achievements extend beyond operational success and is positioning itself as a reliable partner and a catalyst for economic growth in the region. Since assuming full operational control, OQ8 has maintained safe, reliable, and efficient performance, contributing to regional energy security and reinforcing Oman’s role as a global energy hub.

As OQ8 continues to build upon its safe, consistent and reliable operations, the company’s future outlook remains focused on sustainable growth, technological innovation, and enhancing its commercial resilience in a dynamic & increasing volatile market. Strategic partnerships and continued investment in sustainability and digital transformation will drive OQ8’s growth, positioning it as a benchmark for operational excellence and environmental responsibility in the energy sector.

OQ8 Day is more than a celebration of past achievements; it is a bold step forward, reaffirming the company’s role as a leader in the global energy transition and a key contributor to regional prosperity.