A number of motorists have expressed concern over the reported closure of two private petrol stations in Doha, which, they lamented, would add more to the congestion, waiting time, and longer queues at filling stations.

“As it is, motorists spend around 15 to 20 minutes or even longer waiting to refuel their cars. But to close not one but two petrol stations would be a nightmare for vehicle owners,” a motorist complained.
His complaints stemmed from reports that the University Petrol Station along Al Jamiaa and Al Farouq streets and the West Bay Petrol Station along Al Istiqlal and Al Intisar streets will close down for renovations.
“Not only is it a hassle to experience all sorts of delays while refueling, but it is a big inconvenience to the larger public because long queues create traffic congestion along busy thoroughfares across the country; this is definitely a burden to many people,” he added.
With the reported closure of the West Bay and University petrol stations, another motorist observed that “it would be timely” for Woqod (Qatar Fuel) to open new petrol stations “to ease motorists’ inconvenience” when refueling their vehicles.
This year, Woqod had opened three new petrol stations bringing the total number to 34. According to its website, Woqod opened in January its 32nd service station in Sawda Natheel and the 33rd in Simaisma area. In March, Woqod opened its Ain Sinan petrol station to cater to motorists in the northern parts of Qatar.
It was observed that three new petrol stations, including the on road towards the Hamad International Airport, appear to be completed but remain closed to motorists.
Speaking to Gulf Times on the sidelines of Woqod’s annual general meeting held in May, chief executive officer Ibrahim Jaham al-Kuwari said Woqod “will soon” deploy 20 additional mobile petrol stations in and around Doha to address mounting clamour from motorists.
He said Woqod has finalised with concerned authorities of certain lands for the deployment of the mobile petrol stations, which will be located in various locations in Doha.
“There are currently six operational mobile petrol stations and we will soon add 20 more. In addition to that, we are ordering around 30 mobile petrol stations, which we expect to receive in the next three months. They would be on standby and can be deployed as the need arises,” al-Kuwari said.
While he did not specify the exact locations, al-Kuwari said the government has already identified different locations in and around Doha where the additional 20 mobile stations will be installed within the year.
Citing safety precautions, al-Kuwari added that the mobile petrol stations will be available in carefully selected, less crowded locations.