Meanwhile, Kuwait was not expected to overcome parliamentary opposition to major energy projects directed by foreign companies.

Analysts have asserted that parliament was likely to continue to demand major revisions in proposed contracts with Western contractors for the development of northern oil fields. They said the opposition would torpedo the sheikdom's plans to increase oil production to four million barrels per day over the next two years.

A leading analyst, David Kirsch, manager of market intelligence at Washington-based consultancy PFC Energy, said Kuwait would be unable to significantly bolster its current output of 2.8 million barrels per day over the next decade. Project Kuwait, value at $8.5 billion, has undergone significant delays.

In 2007, Kuwait replaced its oil minister amid parliamentary opposition. Parliament has also demanded that the government provide actual figures for energy output.

---