Concerns over disruptions in the global oil market are increasingly focused on the impact of attacks targeting refineries rather than crude oil production itself, according to an analysis by energy expert Kamel Al-Harami. He emphasizes that damage to refining infrastructure in key oil-exporting regions, including the Arabian Gulf and Russia, poses a significant risk to countries that depend heavily on imported petroleum products and lack adequate refining capacity.

Al-Harami highlights that reliance on refined petroleum products such as gasoline varies according to each country's domestic demand and consumption patterns. While crude oil supplies remain critical, the ability to process this raw material into usable products is a crucial factor influencing global energy security.

Globally, China holds the largest refining capacity at approximately 18.5 million barrels per day (bpd), followed closely by the United States with about 18.4 million bpd. Russia ranks third with a capacity near 7 million bpd, while India processes around 6 million bpd. Within the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Kuwait stands out as the second-largest investor in refining capacity with more than 1.85 million bpd across six refineries, including three domestic plants exceeding 1.2 million bpd and three overseas facilities totaling 600,000 bpd. Venezuela ranks first in OPEC refining investment, with Saudi Aramco third, operating roughly 3.3 million bpd of refining capacity.

Al-Harami stresses that investments in refining and downstream activities provide strategic advantages beyond crude oil sales. Establishing refining operations enables countries to engage a broader customer base and access diverse global markets, mitigating dependency on a limited number of crude buyers. Additionally, expanding into downstream sectors such as lubricants, retail outlets, and convenience services can generate greater value and foster closer ties with consumers. He cites the example of Kuwait Petroleum’s Q8 brand, which operates extensive service station networks throughout Europe and Thailand, contributing to long-term customer loyalty.

The commentary also draws attention to ongoing threats from Iran, which Al-Harami describes as recurrent attacks aimed at disrupting Kuwait's petroleum product supply chain. He characterizes these actions as disrespectful, particularly because Kuwait has historically supported Iranian needs during challenging periods. Despite these attacks, Kuwait remains committed to maintaining stable operations across its refining network and global exports of crude oil and refined products, adhering to a “business as usual” stance. This resolve underscores Kuwait’s role in ensuring reliable energy supplies amid regional tensions.

In summary, the analysis underscores the critical importance of refinery security and downstream diversification in sustaining global petroleum supply chains and highlights Kuwait’s active investment and operational strategy in this sector.