Kuwait to boost oil production despite strike: Arabiya

[RIYADH] Kuwait plans to increase crude oil production to normal levels, despite an open-ended strike by Kuwaiti oil workers, an official from state refiner Kuwait National Petroleum Co (KNPC) told Al-Arabiya television on Monday.

Khaled al-Asousi, KNPC's deputy chief executive for support services, said output was now 1.1 million barrels per day but would reach normal levels in coming days.

"We have several alternative plans - today some of the staff returned to their places of work. Partner companies are participating in the increase in production. The situation is reassuring."

Thousands of Kuwaiti oil and gas workers are on the second day of a strike to protest a government plan for public sector pay reforms. Unions have not said how long the walkout will last. Non-Kuwaiti workers in the industry are not on strike.

Union members contacted by Reuters on Monday said there had been no developments in the strike or negotiations with the government.

Before the strike, Kuwaiti oil production was running at about 2.8 million bpd, Reuters data shows.

"We expect a big increase in crude inventory in the coming days and we have enough stocks for export and we have no fears of a stoppage of any shipment," Mr Asousi said.

He also said, "Supplies of petroleum derivatives for the local market are enough for a whole month."

REUTERS