Kuwait: KPC declares force majeure

Times Kuwait, 7 March 2026: Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) has declared force majeure and begun reducing crude‑oil output due to severe disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

KPC has initiated precautionary production cuts after explicit threats against vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz and a near‑absence of available tankers in the Arabian Gulf. The company has explained in a trade notice that safe maritime passage is compromised, prompting the declaration of force majeure.

The Strait of Hormuz handles roughly 20% of global oil and LNG supplies, and ongoing disruptions have already led to output cuts in Iraq and Qatar, with analysts warning that the UAE and Saudi Arabia may also face reductions if storage capacity tightens. KPC has not specified the exact scale of its reduction but noted that Kuwait had produced about 2.6 million barrels per day in February and that production levels will be reviewed as conditions evolve.

The corporation remains prepared to restore output once maritime conditions allow, highlighting its significant role as a major exporter of naphtha to Asia and jet fuel to north‑west Europe. Complementary reports indicate that the force majeure notice cites explicit threats and the absence of shipping capacity as the primary legal grounds for the declaration.

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Kuwait: Banks announce temporary closures

Arab Times, 8 March 2026: Major banks in Kuwait have temporarily closed their headquarters as a safety measure following recent security developments.

Several leading institutions have confirmed the precautionary suspension of operations at their main offices. The National Bank of Kuwait has closed its headquarters from 8 March until further notice, citing the need to ensure safety and maintain business continuity. Boubyan Bank has also suspended operations at its headquarters and affiliated branches, stating that the measure aims to protect employees and customers.

Kuwait Finance House has announced a one‑day suspension of work at its main buildings and departments located in Baitak Tower. All banks have reaffirmed that they remain operational through electronic channels and alternative services. Complementary reports indicate that nationwide banking services continue, with digital platforms and ATMs remaining available to customers.

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Kuwait: Market monitoring tightens

Times Kuwait, 8 March 2026: Kuwait’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry has intensified market inspections to stabilise food prices and protect consumers.

The ministry’s monitoring teams have begun extensive inspection tours across central markets and cooperative societies to ensure compliance with the ministerial decision fixing food commodity prices. According to the Director of the Commercial Control and Consumer Protection Department, inspections have not shown any price increases, and cooperatives are adhering to the pricing instructions.

Teams will continue monitoring outlets to ensure full compliance, with any violations being referred to the relevant legal authorities. In parallel, government entities have completed the supply of all 92 food distribution centres with essential commodities and are facilitating smooth delivery to central markets.

The ministry notes ongoing coordination with Kuwait Flour Mills and Bakeries Company to boost bread production and ensure continuous availability across distribution points. These measures aim to secure essential goods, maintain stable supply chains, and reinforce Kuwait’s food security, particularly during peak‑consumption periods.

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Kuwait: Government exempts stranded employees from work during airspace closure

Arab Times, 8 March 2026: Kuwait’s Civil Service Commission has exempted government employees who are stranded abroad from work duties after regional airspace closures disrupted travel.

The Commission has announced that the period of absence will be counted as actual working time until employees are able to return. The Commission has coordinated with ministries, public bodies, and institutions to ensure that affected staff are covered under the established administrative procedures.

Under the directive, the exemption period will begin after the end of each employee’s authorised leave or holiday, during which they had been scheduled to resume duties. Supervisors will determine the duration and will refer the case to the relevant administrative department. Employees will be required to provide documentation confirming they were abroad during the disruption so the absence can be recorded as official service time.

The Commission will ensure the exemption remains in place until airspace reopens or return travel becomes available.

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Kuwait: Visit visas extended and three‑month absence permit granted to residents abroad

5 March 2026: Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior has announced an automatic one‑month extension for all visit visas, along with a three‑month absence permit for residents currently abroad.

The Ministry has confirmed all visit entry visas expiring or nearing expiry from 28 February 2026 will be automatically extended for one month through the electronic system, with all fees and fines waived during the period. Residents outside Kuwait who have exceeded the permitted absence duration will receive an automatic three‑month absence permit, which will also be issued electronically and will be exempt from fees. Authorities have also stated these measures may be extended depending on developments.

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