Sharjah gives Enoc 48 hours to solve petrol crisis

Thursday, Jun 09, 2011

Gulf News

Dubai The Sharjah Executive Council has given oil retailer Enoc 48 hours to put an end to the petrol shortage crisis that has affected thousands of motorists across the UAE over the past two weeks.

The Council asked the Enoc group, which includes petrol retailers Eppco and Enoc, for an explanation and an end to disruptions at petrol stations around Sharjah within 48 hours.

According to a recent statement by Enoc, the closure of petrol stations across Sharjah and the northern emirates are a result of ongoing maintenance while the company upgrades its dispensing equipment.

On Monday, a spokesman said the disruptions should last two to three weeks before moving on to Dubai where maintenance will last for a further month.

The disruptions have affected 82 stations in Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah.

Meanwhile, Adnoc is understood to have expedited the supply of petrol to meet the shortage. Emarat is also tendering for an additional 100,000 tonnes to cover its needs from June to September, traders said yesterday.

The company already has term contracts in place with BP and Vitol to receive 80,000 tonnes per month. But the fuel shortage in Sharjah might have prompted Emarat to seek more fuel, traders said.

“There is probably increased demand with Enoc and Eppco running dry,” one trader said. “Everyone’s rushing to Adnoc and Emarat stations,” he added.

By Mariam M. Al Serkal and Aya Lowe ?Staff Reporters