Kuwait breaks 720 million cubic feet barrier in free gas production, targets 1 billion per day

Kuwait is witnessing a major qualitative leap in free gas production as exploration and development operations advance in line with the country’s long-term strategic energy plan.

Informed sources said Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) recorded a new production milestone by the end of 2025, surpassing 720 million cubic feet per day of non-associated natural gas, reports Al-Qabas daily.

The achievement reflects the success of intensive exploration programs and confirms Kuwait’s steady progress toward becoming a significant gas producer.

According to the sources, KOC is moving forward with its approved strategy to expand exploration and production of free gas, following the country’s first discovery in 2005 at Umm Al-Niqa in northern Kuwait.

Production is expected to rise to between 900 and 950 million cubic feet per day by the end of this year, with the strategic objective of reaching one billion cubic feet per day in the near term.

Expansion of Capabilities and Global Partnerships

KOC is currently strengthening its partnerships with international and national oil companies, oilfield service providers, and leading global institutions in technology and innovation.

These collaborations aim to enhance operational efficiency, accelerate technological deployment, expand research and development, and build the capabilities required to deliver the oil sector’s 2040 strategy.

Sources stressed that Kuwait possesses strong infrastructure and technical capacity to significantly scale up gas output. The country holds proven gas reserves estimated at 63 trillion cubic feet, positioning it well to increase production and gradually transform into a major regional market for liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Offshore Breakthrough and Strategic Discoveries

In a major boost to reserves, KOC recently announced the discovery of a new offshore natural gas field, “Jazza”, with initial estimates of one trillion cubic feet of gas and approximately 350 million barrels of oil equivalent. The field marks KOC’s third offshore discovery, following Nukhatha and Julaia, under its offshore exploration drilling program.

These discoveries reinforce Kuwait’s long-term energy security and strengthen its resource base at a time of rising domestic and regional demand for cleaner fuels.

High-Value Production and Economic Impact

Sources noted that gas production in Kuwait is commercially competitive, as it is often associated with high-quality light oil, which commands premium prices in global markets. The Kuwait Petroleum Corporation blends this light oil with Kuwaiti export crude to improve quality and enhance export value.

The country’s plans to expand natural gas production, including shale gas, are expected to generate substantial economic returns by meeting domestic demand, reducing reliance on imports, and creating export opportunities.

Exploiting gas resources will also help Kuwait navigate economic challenges and support diversification efforts.

LNG Growth and Clean Energy Transition

Kuwait’s demand for LNG is projected to reach 14 million tons per year by 2035. In preparation, KOC commissioned a permanent LNG import terminal in 2021 with a capacity of 22 million tons per year, the first of its kind in the region.

The facility enables Kuwait to access global LNG markets, support power generation, and advance its clean energy transition strategy.

Technical Challenges and Advanced Operations

Sources explained that free gas reservoirs in Kuwait are located at very great depths and in extremely complex geological formations, requiring specialized drilling techniques and advanced production equipment tailored to harsh subsurface conditions.

Much of this equipment is custom-manufactured and imported to meet field-specific requirements.

KOC currently drills 22 to 23 free gas wells annually and operates around 170 active wells, reflecting the scale and intensity of its development program.

The continued expansion of free gas production underscores Kuwait’s commitment to strengthening energy security, maximizing resource value, and positioning itself as a key player in the regional and global gas markets.