Closure of private gas stations adds to motorists’ woes
Long queues in front of gas stations are a common sight these days. One of the main reasons for it is that a large number of petrol stations run by private operators have shut down in recent years. It has severely limited the choices available to motorists, reports Qatar Tribune.
Though Qatar Fuel (Woqod) has recently constructed many new gasoline stations, it has done little to alleviate motorists’ woes.
One of the main reasons for closure by private players is that they are unable to take on the might of Woqod, a national company.
Employees who used to work in some of the now defunct petrol stations lament that the inability to take on Woqod drove them out. Some of the services offered at the private pumps were also comparatively cheaper than at Woqod.
“In our gas station we did an oil change for about QR25, but the same service comes for a higher charge at Woqod. Moreover, unlike us, Woqod insists that customers have to buy the oil, filter, etc from them if they wants an oil change," Shabbir, who worked in one of the closed gas stations, told Qatar Tribune.
He added that their labour charge is much lower, though he agreed that their service centre couldn't match the standard of Woqod. “But Woqod charges exorbitant rates for all services,” he said.
When asked about these, a Woqod official said that selling gasoline alone can't make the business profitable for the company.
“Woqod has the ability and the resources to offer every service at all its stations which add to its profit,” he said.
He denied that the company has anything to do with the closure of any gasoline stations.
“Woqod is doing everything to meet the shortage created by the closure of some petrol stations,” the official added.
He said the company's mobile fuel stations’ are a promising alternative to the conventional fuel stations that are not only more expensive but also take more time and space to construct.
Meanwhile, the private gasoline station on C-ring road after Toyota signal is the latest to close down.
It is learnt that the Central Municipal Council (CMC) has urged the government to review the number and location of gas stations in Qatar and not to demolish the already existing privately run stations.
Brit: Yes your question needs answering... Sure,woqod, is more professional and presumably has cleaner and better fuel... But beats me as to how it could shut the others...i thought the private pumps were being taken over by woqod and hadn't realised they were just shutting shop...i go to woqod for a jack wash and for fuel but never an oil change... Hate their policy of making one buy their own brand oil...i go to teyseer for the oil change with my own consumables and they charge a very reasonable 30 rials to change it for me... But yeah if woqod isn't replacing these pumps with new ones, us motorists are in trouble...
How did we get from Petrol stations to iPhone ?
The iPhone of a killer has just been hacked by the FBI! - this says a lot. You need a lot of skill and know how to be able to hack an iPhone (hence no surprise the FBI did it, with all the resources at their disposal). However an android phone can be hacked by any 2 bit hacker on the road ( Did you know that there are apps available on android play store to hack android phones).
Doing some research about any product before investing in it is wise. Likewise buying a car/phone just for it's looks is not something I would ever do.
Similarly, Samsung Galaxy S7 looks good but is not the best phone at present, iPhone 6s is a much better option.
Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge is the best smartphone available at the moment.
And you probably buy a car without knowing the torque the engine produces. You go by looks and by what is "in". No problem, it's your choice.
Privacy? The iPhone of a killer has just been hacked by the FBI!
It's not required to know the tech specs of all phones to know which one is the best. For android phones you just need to check brands like samsung & htc, as the other android brands tend to copy them. iPhone is far superior to them in terms of user data privacy/security, reliability - both hardware as well as software and in many more features. If you want a phone just to click selfies..then go for android.
Really? Then you probably know the technical specifications of all phones in the market, don't you?
iPhone's are better in many ways to other phones in the market.
not even a single petrol pump on entire airport road, corniche road(expect on tiny waqood between those huge buildings),F ring road - HIA road.......
Brity...someone influential is pushing these privates out, same like some of the other businesses. Someone Influential always has a big stake on the matter and the smaller ones will always suffer due to influencer's greed. We see this time to time here!
brit, why do people buy an iPhone if there are better ones out there?
WT: My question still - If the private companies are offering better and cheaper services, then why are they going out of business ?
The customer doesn't count in Qatar. We already know that. So, it's no surprise at all.
It's called streamlining ...............
Monopoly rules out for Woqod ,Qatarairways , Karwa ... This list go on and on
To fill petrol suppose if we go to private station it takes just 2-3min compared to 10 -15 minutes in woqod statios due to less resource.
They closed down Doha Petrol Station at C-Ring...and Woqod Hilal was a Safari...everyone is honking for petrol! ....Well Done Woqod, just drive out the smaller players and be a monopoly!
I'm a little confused.. If the privateers are offering cheaper servics, then why are people going to WoQod ?