Govt urged to raise gas prices to curb smuggling

Many Saudis have demanded that the government raise gas prices in line with international prices and issue coupons to nationals at reduced prices in order to curb gas smuggling across the borders, as well as to reduce traffic congestion. They have also supported the government’s crackdown on fuel smugglers.
A local newspaper quoted Saudi citizens as suggesting that there should be no gas stations close to border areas and that the government should raise prices with a mark-up for Saudis and another mark-up for visitors coming in from neighboring countries.
According to them, the subsidy, which costs the government $ 240 billion, should be used to control unemployment and increase the wages of the middle class.
One resident said fuel is smuggled out of the country because “diesel costs 22 halala per liter in Saudi Arabia, while it is sold for one riyal abroad, adding that the Saudi government alone cannot eradicate the problem and that the Kingdom needs to ensure full cooperation from neighboring countries to crack down on smugglers.
The Ministry of Finance recently issued an advisory to the Customs Department to thoroughly inspect all vehicles crossing the border. It said drivers crossing the border should be allowed just enough fuel to get them to the nearest station in the neighboring country.
According to the directive, customs inspectors should check the fuel tank indicators of frequent travelers at points of entry.