Sufficient quantities of oil derivatives, gas cylinders available'
AMMAN -- Demand for gas cylinders, for both heating and cooking purposes, has increased sharply over the past few days in light of the current weather conditions, according to the Gas Station Owners Association (GSOA). The average daily market needs are estimated at 150,000 cylinders, while around 178,000 units are currently being distributed across the Kingdom daily, GSOA President Fahed Fayez told The Jordan Times on Thursday.
Noting that the increase in demand for gas cylinders is between 25 per cent and 30 per cent, he said indicators show that it will continue to grow as the majority of households tend to use gas for heating purposes instead of kerosene, diesel and electricity because of the difference in prices.
The recent increase in electricity tariffs have prompted many households to resort to gas heaters, according to Fayez, who pointed out that a shortage of gas cylinders in mid-January also contributed to the rising demand as people sought to stock up when snow was forecast.
Last year, during winter the daily average market needs of gas cylinders was around 150,000 at maximum, while this winter it is over 190,000 cylinders, the GSOA president noted.
Fayez added that demand for oil derivatives, which has been high since winter began, also rose sharply over the past few days.
On Thursday, 1,450 tonnes of kerosene were sold, while during the summer the figure stands around 250 tonnes.
Fayez stressed that all gas stations across the country have enough quantities of oil derivatives, pointing out that the association gives supply priority to remote areas and districts that witness heavy snow during difficult weather conditions.
On Wednesday, the Jordan Petroleum Refinery Company (JPRC) affirmed that all forms of fuel, including kerosene, gas cylinders and diesel, are available in the Kingdom.
The JPRC said it will provide fuel stations with their needs, particularly in Shobak, Tafileh, Karak, Ajloun and Jerash, where road closures are possible.
The company added that gas distribution agencies were supplied with cylinders as usual, noting that its warehouses will be open around-the-clock on Friday to meet distributors' and people's needs.
© Jordan Times 2012
