Oman Used Cooking Oil Market Report: Size, Share, Growth Drivers, Trends, Opportunities & Forecast 2025-2030

Oman Used Cooking Oil Market is valued at USD 45 million, driven by sustainability, food service growth, and biodiesel demand, with key segments in commercial sources and sunflower oil.

The Oman Used Cooking Oil Market is valued at USD 45 million, based on a five-year historical analysis. This valuation aligns with the broader edible oils market size for Oman and reflects the increasing emphasis on sustainability and the circular economy in the country. Growth is primarily driven by heightened awareness of environmental sustainability, the expansion of the food service sector, and the rising demand for biodiesel production. Government initiatives are further supporting the recycling of used cooking oil for applications such as animal feed, industrial uses, and renewable energy production.

Key cities including Muscat and Salalah remain the dominant hubs in the market due to their high commercial activity and population density. The concentration of restaurants, hotels, and food processing industries in these urban centers ensures a steady and substantial supply of used cooking oil, making them pivotal to overall market dynamics.

The Omani government regulates the collection and recycling of used cooking oil under the "Regulation for the Management of Waste Oil, Ministerial Decision No. 18/2017," issued by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs. This regulation mandates licensed collection, safe storage, and proper recycling or disposal of used cooking oil to minimize environmental pollution and promote sustainable resource use. It applies to all commercial and industrial establishments generating waste oil, with compliance requirements for documentation, transport, and processing standards.

Oman Used Cooking Oil Market Segmentation

By Source:

The market is segmented into four primary sources: Households, Commercial (Restaurants, Hotels, Catering), Industrial Food Processing, and Others. The Commercial segment is the most dominant, accounting for the largest share due to the high volume of used cooking oil generated from restaurants, hotels, and catering services. The expansion of food establishments, combined with regulatory requirements for proper disposal and a growing sustainability focus in the hospitality sector, is driving demand for recycling used cooking oil. While households contribute to the supply, their scale is smaller compared to commercial operations.

By Oil Type:

Segmentation by oil type includes Sunflower Oil, Palm Oil, Soybean Oil, Corn Oil, Mixed/Blended Oils, and Others. Sunflower Oil leads the segment, reflecting its widespread use in both household and commercial cooking and frying. Palm Oil follows, driven by its popularity in the food industry and processed food manufacturing. The market’s increasing focus on biodiesel production and regulatory encouragement for renewable energy is also influencing demand for various oil types, as different oils are suitable for conversion to biodiesel and other industrial uses.

Oman Used Cooking Oil Market Competitive Landscape

The Oman Used Cooking Oil Market is characterized by a dynamic mix of regional and international players. Leading participants such as Areej Vegetable Oils & Derivatives SAOC, Oman Environmental Services Holding Company (be’ah), Al Jazeera International Group, Savola Group, IFFCO Group, Al Harthy Group, Muscat Oil Refining Company, Al Muna Vegetable Oil LLC, Flora Food Group B.V., Oman Oil Marketing Company, Al Mufeed Group, Al Shanfari Group, Al Makhazen Group, Al Mufeed Trading, and Oman Green Energy contribute to innovation, geographic expansion, and service delivery in this space.

Oman Used Cooking Oil Market Industry Analysis

Growth Drivers

Increasing Demand for Biodiesel:

The demand for biodiesel in Oman is projected to reach 150 million liters in future, driven by government policies promoting renewable energy. The Ministry of Energy and Minerals has set a target for biodiesel to constitute 10% of the total fuel consumption in future. This shift is supported by the global biodiesel market, which is expected to grow significantly, encouraging local producers to utilize used cooking oil as a sustainable feedstock.

Government Initiatives for Waste Management:

The Omani government has allocated approximately OMR 5 million for waste management initiatives in future, focusing on recycling and sustainable practices. This funding aims to enhance the collection and processing of used cooking oil, reducing environmental impact. The establishment of new regulations and incentives for waste management is expected to facilitate better infrastructure, thereby increasing the availability of used cooking oil for biodiesel production.

Rising Awareness of Environmental Sustainability:

In future, over 60% of Omani consumers are expected to prioritize environmentally friendly products, according to a recent survey by the Ministry of Environment. This growing awareness is driving food service providers to adopt sustainable practices, including the recycling of used cooking oil. As consumers demand greener alternatives, businesses are increasingly motivated to participate in recycling programs, further boosting the used cooking oil market.

Market Challenges

Lack of Collection Infrastructure:

Oman currently has only 30% of the necessary infrastructure for collecting used cooking oil, which hampers recycling efforts. The absence of efficient collection systems leads to significant amounts of used oil being disposed of improperly. This challenge is exacerbated by the limited number of recycling facilities, which are concentrated in urban areas, leaving rural regions underserved and contributing to environmental pollution.

Regulatory Compliance Issues:

The regulatory landscape for used cooking oil in Oman is complex, with multiple agencies involved in waste management and environmental protection. Companies face challenges in navigating these regulations, which can lead to compliance costs estimated at OMR 1 million annually for medium-sized enterprises. This complexity can deter investment in the used cooking oil sector, limiting growth opportunities and innovation.

Oman Used Cooking Oil Market Future Outlook

The Oman used cooking oil market is poised for significant transformation as sustainability becomes a core focus for both consumers and businesses. With increasing government support for recycling initiatives and a growing demand for biodiesel, the market is expected to evolve rapidly. Technological advancements in processing methods will likely enhance efficiency, while partnerships with food service providers can create a more robust supply chain. Overall, the market is set to align with global sustainability trends, fostering a circular economy.

Market Opportunities

Expansion of Recycling Facilities:

The establishment of new recycling facilities in Oman could significantly increase the processing capacity for used cooking oil. With an investment of OMR 2 million projected in future, these facilities can enhance local collection efforts and create jobs, contributing to economic growth while addressing environmental concerns.

Partnerships with Food Service Providers:

Collaborating with food service providers presents a lucrative opportunity for the used cooking oil market. By forming partnerships, companies can secure a steady supply of used oil, estimated at 20 million liters annually, which can be converted into biodiesel. This collaboration not only ensures a reliable feedstock but also promotes sustainable practices within the food industry.