AEO Secretary-General Jamal Al-Loughani

KUWAIT CITY, Oct 20: The Arab Energy Organization (AEO) on Monday presented a comprehensive study highlighting the economic and environmental benefits of converting used cooking oil into renewable biofuel, aiming to address current challenges and promote sustainable fuel production.

AEO Secretary-General Jamal Al-Loughani told KUNA that the study examines the entire process, from sources of used cooking oil and its collection and transportation to production centers, to refining and processing steps necessary to produce high-quality, impurity-free biofuel.

AEO study explores converting used cooking oil into renewable energy.

According to the study, approximately 14 billion liters of used cooking oil were collected worldwide in 2022, with expectations this volume could exceed 30 billion liters by 2030. Al-Loughani also noted that global trade in used cooking oil is projected to grow from 3.7 billion gallons in 2022 to between 5 and 10 billion gallons annually by 2030, depending on efforts to stimulate its conversion into sustainable fuels.

The report details recent global advancements in producing biodiesel and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) from used cooking oil. Al-Loughani highlighted projects underway in Arab countries such as the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, and pointed to growing regional interest in sustainable aviation fuels, driven by goals to reduce carbon emissions, diversify economies, and conserve natural resources.

He cited Qatar Airways’ 2023 test flight using sustainable jet fuel derived from used cooking oil imported from Finland as an example of regional momentum, with more initiatives expected as airlines pursue net-zero emission targets.

Al-Loughani emphasized that investing in converting used cooking oil into biofuel maximizes resource efficiency while serving as a strategic environmental solution to lower greenhouse gas emissions and enhance energy security. The process also supports national economies by creating new jobs.

The study underscores the critical role of government regulation in standardizing oil collection and setting quality benchmarks for biofuel production to ensure sustainability and safety.

KUWAIT CITY, Oct 20: Agility KSCP, a supply chain services, infrastructure and innovation company, announced the successful conclusion of its sponsorship of the 2025 “Watheefti” career fair, Kuwait’s biggest national job event, as part of its commitment to strengthening its workforce with national talent and attracting Kuwaiti graduates.

Watheefti was held under the patronage of Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, Minister of Information and Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs, at the Arena, Grand Hyatt Kuwait, from Oct. 16 to 18. The fair drew more than 30,000 candidates for three days of interviews and networking. The event provided Agility with a key platform to meet graduates and job seekers and highlight career opportunities across its diverse business units.

Working at Agility KSCP offers Kuwaiti nationals a valuable opportunity to contribute to the development of the country’s logistics sector, support national economic priorities, and participate in advancing Kuwait’s infrastructure. In June, Agility KSCP announced a new strategy built around the growth opportunities emerging from Kuwait’s evolving economy, positioning the company as a dedicated platform that supports the country’s national development goals. Under this strategic direction, Agility KSCP will build on its longstanding commitment to developing the Kuwaiti human capital that will be the driving force behind its implementation.

Agility actively seeks to attract national talent through its regular participation in career fairs. The company has taken part in the American University of the Middle East (AUM) Career Fair and the K-Tech Career Fair under the theme “With You Along the Road 4,” as part of its efforts to support Kuwaitization, promoting local employment, and empowering Kuwaiti youth to help shape the country’s future.

A person walks in front of an electronic stock board showing Japan’s Nikkei index at a securities firm on Oct 20, in Tokyo. (AP)

BANGKOK, Oct 20, (AP): Asian markets surged Monday after Wall Street finished a winning week, overcoming worries over bank lending and the trade war with China. US futures edged higher while oil prices fell. Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 jumped 2.9%, to 48,970.40, setting a new record, after its governing Liberal Democrats found a new coalition partner, securing support for its leader Sanae Takaichi to become the country’s first female prime minister.

Takaichi is expected to push for market-supporting policies such as low interest rates and higher government spending. China reported its economy grew at a 4.8% annual pace in the last quarter, supported by relatively strong exports as companies increased shipments markets other than the U.S. Still, it was the slowest pace in a year.

The world’s second largest economy is still struggling to emerge from a prolonged downturn in its property market and to encourage consumers and businesses to spend more. China’s ruling Commumist Party leadership convened a meeting Monday in Beijing that is expected to set policy goals for the coming five years and also tackle personnel changes.

The outcome of the closed door meeting this week will likely emerge gradually and be formally endorsed at the annual session of the national legislature in early March. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng advanced 2.5% to 25,884.81, while the Shanghai Composite index added 0.7% to 3,866.77. In South Korea, the Kospi surged 1.3% to 3,796.64, setting another record on hopes for a trade deal with Washington and strong demand for semiconductors.

SK Hynix gained 3.3% while automakers Kia Corp. rose 2.7% and Hyundai Motor Co. climbed 2.5%. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 rose 0.2% to 9,009.10. On Friday, US stocks cruised higher after banks recovered some of their sharp losses from the day before. The S&P 500 rose 0.5% to 6,664.01. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.5% to 46,190.61 and the Nasdaq composite climbed 0.5% to 22,679.97. It was the best week for the S&P 500 since early August.