Rush to fill up as most Sharjh pumps run dry

Petrol pumps across Sharjah dried up suddenly on Wednesday leading to a frantic rush by motorists fill up their car tanks.

Though filling stations in Dubai and Ajman operated normally, most fuel stations operated by Eppco and Enoc in Sharjah reported a shortage in fuel stock, while several stopped operating temperorily on Wednesday, according to a report in Khaleej Times.

Petrol of both - super and special - variety was reported to be short in supply.

A company spokesperson could not confirm when supply was expected to be restored.

By mid-afternoon, a few pumps that had petrol saw cars snaking down to the road, while employees at several stations said they were given the day off.

This is the second time in two months petrol shortages are reported in the country.

Last month, supply was disrupted at 75 Emarat petrol pumps in Dubai due to logistic issues.

Eppco and ENOC were not affected at that time.

Khaleej Times reported that attendants at a number of stations visited by its team in Al Qassimiya and Al Khan areas said that they ran out of petrol early in the day, each citing a number of reasons for the shortage.

However, since diesel was available, the pumps could not be closed down, they said.

Enoc is managing 31 petrol stations in the emirate.

According to a statement issued by Enoc the shortage was due to upgradation of selected stations. “Enoc is managing its fuel supplies to meet the current demand. This involves a two-pronged approach of regulating the distribution of fuel through our network, as well as upgrading selected stations,” said a spokesperson.

“Enoc is working with concerned authorities to further enhance the supplies. Simultaneously, we are accelerating the upgrade process. Selected stations will be upgraded progressively with the result that the operation of some petrol islands would be temporarily suspended. We regret any inconvenience caused to our customers,” added the spokesperson.

Panicked motorists were seen rushing to Abu Dhabi-owned Adnoc stations where cars snaked down onto the roads.

“I have been turned away from at least four stations in Al Khan, Al Qassimiya and Caterpillar Roundabout,” said a motorist, Mohammed Ali. “And now I have been waiting in this line at Adnoc for the past hour,” he added.

Fahd Mustafa, another motorist said he was worried about the situation. “This is happening quite often now,” he said, adding that he would head to Dubai to fill up his car since the wait at Sharjah’s pumps was frustrating.

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