Kuwait records 1,687 new applications for subsidized building materials in six months
Kuwait recorded 1,687 new applications for subsidized construction materials during the first half of 2026, reflecting continued demand for government-supported building supplies among citizens benefiting from the housing welfare system.
Statistics from the Supply Department at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry showed that total applications across three categories, new issuance, food ration card renewals and material exchanges, reached 1,968 between January and June.
New applications for subsidized construction materials accounted for the largest share, with 1,687 requests. The ministry also recorded 182 applications to renew subsidized food ration cards and 99 requests to exchange subsidized materials.
The government’s construction-material subsidy is linked to housing loans provided by the Kuwait Credit Bank and is intended to reduce the cost of building and renovating homes. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry facilitates the distribution of subsidized materials to eligible Kuwaiti citizens who receive loans for construction, renovation, home purchase, or demolition and reconstruction.
January recorded the highest number of new construction-material applications during the six-month period, at 387. The figure fell to 325 in February and reached its lowest level of 192 in March. Applications then increased to 301 in April, before reaching 237 in May and 245 in June, bringing the six-month total to 1,687.
For subsidized food ration card renewals, applications totaled 182. April recorded the highest monthly figure at 52, followed by 39 in June, 30 in May, 23 in January, 21 in February and 17 in March.
Applications to exchange subsidized materials totaled 99. April again recorded the highest number, with 26 requests, followed by 22 in June, 17 in February, 14 in May, 12 in January and eight in March.
Across all three categories, January recorded the highest overall activity with 422 applications, followed by 363 in February, 217 in March, 379 in April, 281 in May and 306 in June. The combined total reached 1,968 applications during the first six months of 2026.
