Al Ruwais and Al Shamal face fuel shortage
Residents of Al Ruwais and neighbouring localities in Al Shamal have reportedly been hit by a shortage of petrol and diesel following the closure of the sole fuel station for maintenance.
Woqod is sending two tankers of diesel and petrol to the area daily and residents complain that it is not enough to meet their requirements, a local Arabic daily reported yesterday.
The fuel station was closed early this month and maintenance work is expected to take six months to one year, said the daily.
A senior Woqod official said tankers are available in the area round-the-clock and the company is providing sufficient quantities of diesel and ‘super’ and ‘premium’ petrol.
Residents have complained about long queues to fill fuel from tankers available only from 6am to 6pm. They also demanded shaded areas for filling fuel and raised concerns about the safety of filling fuel from tankers. Woqod is providing ‘premium’ petrol while residents want ‘super’ quality.
“The closure of the petrol station has created a crisis for residents. Motorists are waiting in long queues to fill fuel and there is not enough space for cars. Only two tankers are provided. We have been demanding for several years to build a new petrol station,” the daily quoted a resident, Mohammed Sada, as saying.
“Woqod has no option but to send tankers but I would like to ask if this (filling fuel from tankers) is safe,” said Ali Al Mannai, another resident.
One resident urged authorities to set up shaded areas to protect motorists from the scorching heat.
Ibrahim Jaham Al Kuwari, CEO, Woqod, told Al Sharq that the petrol station was closed because of safety and security issues. He said the owners closed it before a temporary facility could be set up.
Woqod tankers are supplying diesel, ‘super’ and ‘premium’ petrol round the clock, he added. He said Woqod will shortly invite tenders to set up a full-fledged fuel station and a technical inspection centre in Al Shamal, at a cost of QR25m.
