Kuwait Petroleum International

In 1983, Kuwait Petroleum Corporation took the opportunity to enter the downstream sector when Gulf Oil opted to dispose of most of its refining and marketing interests in Europe. KPC bought Gulf's interests in the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg, and subsequently Sweden and Denmark. It was in this year that Kuwait Petroleum International (KPI) was established in London to oversee downstream marketing operations.

Early in 1984 Gulf's marketing and distribution interests were acquired in Italy, and in 1986 came the move into the UK. KPI has been quick to utilize opportunities for further acquisitions where these show good strategic fit. In 1987 it increased its penetration of the Danish market by acquiring BP's operations, thereby securing a leading market share. 1990 saw the purchase of Mobil's marketing network, which made Kuwait Petroleum the third largest company in the Italian oil industry.

Kuwait Petroleum International celebrated its tenth anniversary in Europe with the acquisition of most of BP's Luxembourg assets in 1993. 1999 saw further consolidation with the acquisition of both BP's and Aral's retail operations in Belgium.

KPI's profile varies from country to country, with strong market shares in Denmark, Italy, the Benelux countries, and in Sweden through its OKQ8 joint venture, and a smaller presence in the UK. France, Germany and Spain all represent new and rapidly growing interests.

Most of the 5000 plus Retail Service Stations operate under the distinctive Q8 logo.

A second retail operation, International Diesel Service (IDS), provides long distance hauliers with diesel through more than 700 outlets across Europe.

KPI's Direct business supplies an extensive range of petroleum products to meet the many and diverse requirements of private users and industry.