Improved services at fuel stations sought

JEDDAH: Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs Abdul Lateef Al-Asheikh has issued a directive to municipalities and governorates to impose stricter controls on fuel stations and service centers on regional roads in the Kingdom, in order to increase the level of services offered and to establish a competitive environment.
The directive stresses the importance of introducing the necessary improvements on all services and facilities affiliated with fuel stations and service centers, especially mosques and toilets, and to file a monthly report about the state of fuel stations inside the municipality’s scope according to article 84 of the Fuel Stations and Service Centers List, which stipulates that current stations should be given a grace period of two years to correct their status according to the list’s rulings.
The ministry delivered rehabilitation certificates for a period of three years to five national companies to operate and maintain fuel stations on public roads between cities and provinces. The number of stations that are expected to be operated are according to the fuel organization list and service centers on regional roads.
The ministry encouraged stations from the A and B categories to contract a private establishment that is qualified to manage, operate and maintain stations, and also introduce the necessary improvements on all services during the grace period as per technical and engineering conditions so as to achieve comprehension between the form and content of fuel stations and service centers.
Stations and service centers should abide by architectural conditions as well as electrical, health, mechanical and security requirements. Stations should take into consideration the needs of people with disabilities, provide two toilets for men and women, two prayer areas and good quality hygiene in all station facilities.
The ministry pointed out that the new direction will create a positive competitive environment between bodies that operate these locations, and each one will offer distinctive services to citizens.