Q8 fuel and lubricants

Q8 is the international brand of Kuwait Petroleum International (KPI), which was established in 1983 as the international downstream subsidiary of the state-owned Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC). The brand name itself is a clever phonetic play on the name of the country, 'Kuwait'. The distinctive logo, featuring the sails of a dhow (a traditional Arab sailing vessel), pays homage to Kuwait's seafaring and pearl-diving heritage.

While the brand originated in Kuwait, its operations are heavily centered in Europe. The company produces its specialized products through various facilities, including major lubricant blending plants in Antwerp, Belgium, and Castellar Guidobono, Italy. Additionally, Q8 operates a joint-venture refinery in Milazzo, Italy, and has significant refining interests in Oman and Vietnam. In Scandinavia, the brand operates through a long-standing joint venture known as OKQ8, merging with the Swedish OK cooperative.

Today, Q8 remains 100% owned by the Kuwaiti government through KPC. It serves millions of customers across Europe and Asia through a vast network of thousands of service stations, aviation fuel services at major airports, and a global lubricants business that exports products to over 75 countries.