Buraimi stations dry up as Al Ain motorists rush to buy cheaper fuel

Petrol stations in the neighbouring Omani town of Buraimi have been facing a shortage of supplies as the result of a heavy demand for fuel by Al Ain motorists.

The shortage has reportedly curtailed the ability of the stations to meet the high demand caused by the recent 30 per cent price increase for fuel in the UAE.

Oman's super petrol is comparable to the UAE's special petrol and most drivers prefer it.

Most Buraimi petrol stations have reduced their business hours.

"We are unable to operate 24 hours and are shutting the station at 9pm," said a salesman at an Omanoil fuel station.

He said his station was now receiving three tankers a day, down from the previous five.

"It seems the Omani oil authorities have introduced an undeclared quota system," he added.

Oman also increased prices for both regular and super petrol on September 23, but there is still a difference of Dh1 per gallon between UAE and Oman prices.

Most Al Ain residents have been buying cheaper petrol in Buraimi.

The salesman also said Al Ain taxis and commercial vehicles were now allowed to refuel in Buraimi.

They were earlier barred because they were apparently causing congestion at the fuel stations.

Joseph George, manager of another Omanoil petrol station in Buraimi, said the demand for fuel at his station was still very high.

The station has been selling more than double its regular volume of fuel.

Since the reduction in supplies from Muscat, George's station has been operating from 6am to 9pm.

"During this time, we are turning no one away, including taxis, commercial vehicles or general motorists from neighbouring Al Ain," he added.

An official at an Adnoc petrol station in Al Ain yesterday reported an increase in sales, saying the situation was gradually returning to normal.

"Our sales had gone down drastically as all motorists were getting fuel from Buraimi," he said, adding that only government and company vehicles were getting petrol from them.