Irfan Mohammed

Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — Motorists using highways in the Kingdom have something to cheer about. They are soon going to enjoy pleasing moments during their journey as authorities have ordered renovation and modernization of gas station complexes, commonly known as istraha in Arabic. Gas stations with support services such as tire puncture, oil change, electrician, grocery store and restaurant beside a mosque, separate toilets for men and women and an inn are common feature on Kingdom's highways. Some hundreds of such facilities lack basic facilities. But travelers have no other options. In order to streamline the sector and develop it to international standards, authorities have been overhauling these complexes. Inspections teams led by Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs have begun to enforce new policy of renovation The move also aims to curb the practice of cover-up business in the sector as many gas stations and associated services including tire puncture shops are operated by expatriates in cover-up business known as Tasattur. Even tire punctures service are also not spared and inspection teams are insisting to have cabin and CCTV, according to sources. After extending good enough time to comply with rules that aimed to improve the service and also appearance of the station, many have failed. Now authorities have begun to close down such facilities across the Kingdom. The Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs is executing the plan with the support of various government authorities under the directions of the concerned governorates. Stations classified as A and B require modifying their design to meet new criteria set by officials. It is also mandatory to engage with maintenance agreement with one the new company authorized by the ministry. Failing to comply with new specifications, scores of gas stations on Riyadh–Makkah highway, the prime highway in the Kingdom, have been closed by joint inspections teams. Similar punitive measures have been initiated in the eastern, central and other provinces, sources added. The Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs has set high standards for the construction and maintenance of complexes of gas stations. A dozen of regional business groups such as ENOC of Dubai, Oman Oil of Muscat and local leading Al Drees, SASCO, NAFT and Petromin etc. fuel distribution companies were allowed to operate fuel station complexes, according to the ministry. These firms are expected to bring their rich expertise and improved services and also investment that will serve motorists better and professionally. They also generate adequate employment opportunities, besides eliminating cover-up business by some expatriates for over the years.