Sharjah fuel shortage to end before Ramadan

Sharjah residents can expect an end to the fuel shortage before Ramadan begins, a top official told Gulf News. "Inshallah it will be resolved. In Ramadan there won't be a lot of pressure on the stations. I am optimistic... Alternative solutions are in place, there won't be problem," the official, who declined to be named, said. The government will consider adding more staff and increasing the hours of operation at Adnoc and Emarat stations in the emirate, he said, insisting that in summer there will be less demand for fuel as residents travel abroad. The Sharjah Executive Council will meet Tuesday to discuss solutions to the fuel shortage after Enoc Group failed to supply petrol leading to a shutdown of their stations on Friday. The Sharjah Executive Council will consider "alternative solutions" following the shutdown of all Enoc and Eppco stations in Sharjah on Friday, said an SEDD official, who declined to be named. "On Tuesday everything will be clear. For sure the Council will take the necessary steps," said Osama Samra, director of the Sharjah Media Centre, responsible for the emirate's government communication. Officials at the Council and SEDD refused to comment on how the issue will be resolved and what happens next after the closure of the stations. An Enoc Group spokesperson said the company cannot comment on the problem at the moment. "I cannot give a statement now, don't ask me questions I cannot answer," he said. "I agree that we should be more transparent, I agree 150 per cent, but we have directives not to talk about this issue now." Pressed for answers, he made casual comments on the weather to change the subject. Enoc's silent spell lasted for about two weeks while the spokesperson was on holiday after the trouble started. Repeated attempts by Gulf News to contact the company were unanswered. Commenting on the queues at Adnoc and Emarat stations, the government official said: "There are lines but people are still getting fuel, it's better than no fuel at all. Ajman and Dubai are close by, the Enoc petrol stations are working there. In summer, instead of roaming the streets, people can stay at home," he said with a laugh. Asked how a fuel shortage could happen in an oil-producing country, he said: "It may seem unbelievable, but the decision [regarding Enoc Group] is split among many stakeholders. The situation is different because of many interests and companies. Closing the stations was not a light decision and it could have been interpreted in another way," a reference to the political dynamics between Sharjah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi. He refused to elaborate on how Adnoc would be increasing fuel supplies to Sharjah.