
oil market stable, outlook positive despite challenges
VIENNA: Kuwait's Minister of Oil Tariq Al-Roumi said on Thursday that the global oil market is witnessing remarkable stability, with relatively stable prices and increasing demand.
In a statement to KUNA, during the Ninth OPEC International Seminar currently held in Vienna, Al-Roumi expressed his optimism about the market's future in the near and medium term, noting the market's ability to absorb any potential increases in demand.
The minister said the market is currently experiencing a period of relative balance, explaining that prices are stable and demand is on the rise, noting that this impression was also shared by the majority of participants in the discussions held at the seminar.
On the recent increase in supplies by some OPEC+ countries, Al-Roumi said that the move came as a result of concerns about price levels, but it contributed to maintaining price stability and there was no real need to pump additional quantities.
He emphasized that the current market fundamentals, in terms of the balance between supply and demand, are reassuring, despite the difficulty of accurately predicting price levels. Al-Roumi said that the seminar provided an opportunity for in-depth dialogue and bilateral meetings with leaders and influential figures in the energy sector. — KUNA

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Arab Times
41 minutes ago
- Arab Times
Global Economy Shows Signs of Improvement in Q2 2025: AEO
KUWAIT CITY, Aug 13: The global economy showed signs of relative improvement in the second quarter of 2025, driven primarily by accelerated spending on imports in anticipation of higher US tariffs, alongside a general improvement in global financial conditions. This was revealed by Jamal Al-Loughani, Secretary-General of the Arab Energy Organization (AEO), in a statement to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on Wednesday, following the release of the organization's second quarterly report on the global oil market. Al-Loughani noted that the global economic growth rate forecast for 2025 was revised upward to 3%, compared to the earlier forecast of 2.8%. He attributed this positive shift to factors such as improved financial conditions and preemptive import spending. However, he cautioned that the lack of comprehensive trade agreements continues to stir concerns about the long-term impact of ongoing global trade uncertainties. Despite this uptick in global growth, Al-Loughani pointed to a concerning 12.1% decline in the average spot prices of the OPEC basket of crudes, which fell to USD 67.4 per barrel during the second quarter. The prices of crude oil futures also recorded quarterly losses, with Brent crude and US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) falling by 10.8%, reaching $66.8 and $63.7 per barrel, respectively. The AEO Secretary-General attributed the drop in oil prices to several factors, including shifts in US trade policy, growing concerns about a potential slowdown in global economic growth, and weaker oil demand. Additionally, he mentioned that the downgrade of the US sovereign credit rating due to rising government debt and a slowdown in China's industrial production and retail sales further dampened investor sentiment. Global oil supplies showed a slight increase, rising by 0.4% compared to the previous quarter, reaching 104 million barrels per day. This uptick was largely due to increased output from OPEC+ nations and the United States. On the demand side, however, global oil consumption saw a modest decline of 0.03% quarter-on-quarter, influenced by weaker demand from China and other Asian countries. OPEC member states experienced a 9.5% decrease in crude oil exports during the second quarter of 2025, dropping to approximately $100 billion. This drop in revenue was primarily attributed to falling oil prices. Al-Loughani noted that these developments had a direct impact on the economic performance of member states, with a decline in oil revenues negatively affecting public finances and external accounts. Despite these challenges, he emphasized that OPEC member states continued to pursue economic reforms aimed at reducing inflation, stimulating investment, and boosting labor market growth. Furthermore, the non-oil sector provided some support to these economies, helping to mitigate the overall economic impact. Looking ahead, Al-Loughani expressed optimism for the continued growth of the oil sector, particularly with the OPEC+ decision to implement additional voluntary cuts in April and November 2023. These cuts are set to gradually increase production, reaching 411,000 barrels per day in July, 548,000 barrels per day in August, and 457,000 barrels per day in September. This increase in oil production is expected to positively affect oil revenues, which remain a crucial source of national income for member states. Despite these positive steps, Al-Loughani warned that the global oil market remains surrounded by uncertainty. While OPEC forecasts indicate a decline in oil supplies from non-OPEC+ countries in the third quarter of 2025, global oil demand is expected to rise to approximately 105.5 million barrels per day. These projections, however, remain speculative due to several ongoing uncertainties, including escalating global trade tensions, geopolitical risks in the Middle East and Eastern Europe, and concerns over global economic growth. Al-Loughani praised the continued efforts by OPEC+ countries, including six members of the Arab Energy Organization, to maintain balance and stability in the global oil market. These ongoing precautionary measures are aimed at ensuring the oil market remains resilient amid global economic and geopolitical challenges. While the global economy has shown signs of recovery in the second quarter of 2025, the outlook for the oil market remains volatile, with both supply and demand factors contributing to continued uncertainty.


Arab Times
2 hours ago
- Arab Times
New reforms: Kuwait tightens public fund protection and streamlines legal processes
KUWAIT CITY, Aug 13: The Kuwaiti Cabinet, during its weekly meeting on Tuesday, approved several significant legislative reforms and updates to development projects aimed at boosting the nation's infrastructure and economy. The meeting, held at Bayan Palace under the leadership of Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Saud Al-Sabah, covered a range of critical issues, including the protection of public funds, digital transformation, and large-scale housing and energy initiatives. Revised law for protecting public funds One of the major decisions taken was the approval of a draft decree-law amending Law No. 1/1993, aimed at strengthening the protection of public funds. The revised law aims to address gaps revealed through the practical application of existing regulations. Key changes include expanding the scope of criminalization, enhancing procedural protections, and updating legal formulations. The amendments introduce stricter measures, including tightening rules for job exploitation, increasing penalties for fraud and corruption, and criminalizing intentional damage to public funds. Additionally, the law increases penalties for submitting false information and allows the Public Prosecution to demand the return of misappropriated funds even if a criminal case has been dismissed. Streamlining legal procedures with digital transformation In a bid to expedite legal processes and embrace digital advancements, the Cabinet also approved a draft decree-law to amend Law No. 38/1980, governing civil and commercial procedures. The amendments aim to streamline litigation by implementing full electronic procedures, allowing remote hearings, and tightening controls on judicial recusal. Notably, the reforms propose an increased guarantee and fine system for recusal requests, ensuring a more efficient and modernized legal framework. Strategic development projects: Housing, energy, and AI innovations The Cabinet was briefed on several high-profile development initiatives, including the Al-Sabriya City housing project in northern Kuwait. Minister of State for Municipal Affairs Abdullatif Al-Meshari shared details about the 80-km² project, which will provide 55,000 housing units, along with service, commercial, recreational areas, and public facilities. This development is set to be one of the largest housing and urban projects in the region. Minister of Oil Tareq Al-Roumi also presented updates on the Kuwait Oil Company's newly launched Artificial Intelligence Innovation Center. This initiative is part of the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation's broader digital transformation strategy in the energy sector, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and fostering innovation. Furthermore, Minister of Finance and Acting Minister of State for Economic and Investment Affairs Dr. Sabeeh Al-Mukhaizeem briefed the Cabinet on the signing of the second and third phases of the Al-Zour North Power Plant Project. This partnership with ACWA Power and the Gulf Investment Corporation will establish a state-of-the-art power generation and water desalination plant. Public sector updates and national holiday announcement The Cabinet also decided to suspend work in all ministries, government agencies, public institutions, and bodies on Thursday, September 4, 2025, to mark the Prophet's Birthday holiday. Regular work will resume on Sunday, September 7, 2025, with exceptions for agencies that operate under special conditions, whose holidays will be determined by their respective authorities. Bilateral relations and international cooperation Additionally, the Cabinet reviewed and approved several agreements and memoranda of understanding with other nations, aimed at strengthening Kuwait's diplomatic and economic ties. These agreements were submitted for approval to His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. In conclusion, the Cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating the implementation of vital development projects and legislative reforms, underscoring the importance of timely and effective action to support Kuwait's continued growth and modernization.


Arab Times
14 hours ago
- Arab Times
Now, No More Salary Cap For Kuwait Family Visit Visas
KUWAIT CITY, Aug 12: The Ministry of Interior has confirmed that the issuance of tourist visas is open to all nationalities, provided applicants meet the specified conditions. Lists of approved countries and eligible professions are reviewed periodically in line with global indicators. Colonel Abdulaziz Al-Kandari, from the Ministry's Residency Affairs Sector, stated that the move aims to attract more visitors to Kuwait and offer them a distinctive tourism experience. He explained that there are four identified categories eligible for the tourist visa, each with multiple options and specific requirements. On family visit visas, Al-Kandari told Kuwait TV that expats can now bring their family members to Kuwait without the previously required minimum salary condition. The eligibility has also been expanded beyond spouses and children, allowing applications for relatives up to the fourth degree of kinship and the third degree by marriage. He highlighted that, unlike the previous system, the updated process no longer requires visitors to travel via Kuwait's national carrier. Additionally, the visa application process has undergone full digital transformation through the launch of the 'Kuwait Visa' platform, developed in cooperation with the General Administration of Information Systems.