KUWAIT CITY // Kuwait’s national oil company has declared a state of emergency following an oil leak in one of its southwestern fields.
Monday’s statement by the Kuwait Oil Company did not identify the onshore field affected by the leak, which began on Sunday.
The state-run Kuwait News Agency said the leak hit the al-Maqwa field.
The company said there was no sign of a toxic gas leak. It provided no details about how many barrels of oil had been spilled.
Opec member Kuwait is a major oil producer. The US Energy Information Administration said Kuwait produces about 2.7 million barrels of crude oil a day and holds the world’s sixth-largest oil reserves.
In August, Kuwait announced a spill at its Ahmadi field. A February fire struck another oil well after a spill.
* Associated Press
Need to know
The flights: Flydubai flies from Dubai to Kilimanjaro airport via Dar es Salaam from Dh1,619 return including taxes. The trip takes 8 hours.
The trek: Make sure that whatever tour company you select to climb Kilimanjaro, that it is a reputable one. The way to climb successfully would be with experienced guides and porters, from a company committed to quality, safety and an ethical approach to the mountain and its staff. Sonia Nazareth booked a VIP package through Safari Africa. The tour works out to $4,775 (Dh17,538) per person, based on a 4-person booking scheme, for 9 nights on the mountain (including one night before and after the trek at Arusha). The price includes all meals, a head guide, an assistant guide for every 2 trekkers, porters to carry the luggage, a cook and kitchen staff, a dining and mess tent, a sleeping tent set up for 2 persons, a chemical toilet and park entrance fees. The tiny ration of heated water provided for our bath in our makeshift private bathroom stall was the greatest luxury. A standard package, also based on a 4-person booking, works out to $3,050 (Dh11,202) per person.
When to go: You can climb Kili at any time of year, but the best months to ascend are January-February and September-October. Also good are July and August, if you’re tolerant of the colder weather that winter brings.
Do not underestimate the importance of kit. Even if you’re travelling at a relatively pleasant time, be geared up for the cold and the rain.
