M91 fuel price freeze sparks rush at pumps in Oman

Freezing the cost of M91 in Oman has sparked a fuel rush among motorists, according to petrol pump owners and residents.

Since the removal of subsidies last year, daily commuters had voiced concerns over repeated rises in fuel prices with no end in sight. 

A government led price freeze of M91 was announced last month, and since then many motorists have decided to permanently shift to low grade fuel and sales have soared.

Sales of M95 at some filling stations have dropped by as much as 30 per cent, according to owners.

Production of M91 petrol grew by a staggering 59 per cent in January this year when compared to the same time last year. M95 production grew by a mere four per cent. “Four in ten motorists coming to the fuel station ask for regular fuel when compared to one in ten a year ago,” said Mohammed Shafiqul Islam Bhuiyan, who manages a petrol pump at Ghala, said.

“The reason why people are still filling super grade fuel now is that they don’t understand how cars work and feel filling cheaper fuel may destroy their engine overtime. It is only a matter of time when they will change their ideas about it or will be forced to change if prices of fuel keep rising,” said a petrol pump manager at Ruwi. Some premium car owners have also started to shift to M91. “I know how engines work. Filling an M91 is going to do nothing bad to my car. The performance may be lowered a bit but I am not interested to pay money to accelerate my car a bit faster than usual,” Faisal Mohammed, a Mercedes owner said.

“I am glad that M91 prices are frozen. We can at least know how much we are spending on fuel without having to think about it every time we fill the tank. I think most people in Oman have changed to low grade fuel. There is no point especially after the freeze to still fill your tank with super,” Fatma Khan, a resident said.

“I don’t know why the prices are going up continuously. I know there is a problem with the economy of Oman but fuel prices affect poor people like us,” Omar Ahmed, a taxi driver said.

“I don’t have a lot of money and my only earning is from my customers, most of whom are poor Indians or Bangladeshi nationals. It is not possible to give them a cheap ride,” he said.

Recently, Shura Council members called on the government to fix fuel at set prices until long term solutions to protect those struggling to afford it could be found.

“Our recommendation was to freeze all types of fuel but the government decided to freeze the price of M91 as it is widely used by the common people and M95 is used by people who use expensive cars. Let them pay for their fuel,” Mohammad Al Ghassani, vice-chairman of the Shura Council, said.

Regarding the impact of not freezing diesel prices, he said: “The government was more concerned about common people so they froze the prices of M91 fuel.”

According to Ahmed Al Hooti, OCCI member, he expected a cap on all fuel types. “We were expecting a complete fuel price freeze. I urge the government to freeze fuel prices as it has already hit the roof. This is enough. The companies are already suffering,” he said.

The price of diesel, the fuel that powers many industries and industrial vehicles has not been frozen and has hit an all time high of 208 baisas.

Yaqub Al Zadjali, an elderly man who supplies vegetables to small shops around Ruwi driving a diesel powered Toyota Hilux pickup, says that it is impossible to make a profit with such high prices. “I am bringing foodstuffs from very far away. I drive 150kms nearly every day so I consume lot of fuel.

“Until a few years ago, I could make 15-20 rials every day. Now if I make five rials it is the best day for me. I can’t increase the price of my items because if I do no one will want to buy from me. I would change my profession if I could but I have no option. Diesel prices are rising continuously and I can’t fill petrol in diesel engine,” he said.

Source : Times Of Oman