Motorists seek value for money as fuel prices go up

With fuel prices likely to go up in Oman in the coming months, in line with the rising demand for oil worldwide, motorists have been raising the issue of value for the money they spend on a litre of petrol.

Car users have taken to social media and other platforms demanding immediate intervention by the authorities concerned, such as the Ministry of Consumer Protection and Investment Promotion (MOCIP) and Consumer Protection Authority (CPA).

Some consumers have been complaining that the mileage they get for a litre of petrol has come down in recent times. “The shortfall might be different from customer to customer and also governorate to governorate, but what is common is the discrepancy witnessed by the customers,” said a citizen.

The fuel prices in October are 229 baisa per litre for M91, 239 baisa per litre for M95 and 258 baisa per litre for diesel.

Crude has gained more than 60 percent in 2021 after countries eased travel curbs following the successful roll-out of vaccines, which means the demand and price are expected to only rise in the coming months.

In August this year, MOCIIP said that it has been following up on the matter of fuel quality in some governorates of the Sultanate.

The ministry said that it had taken random samples of liquid fuel from various stations, including tampering with the octane number. “The matter will be taken up with the fuel marketing companies,” the ministry said.

“It is very important that samples are taken from time to time because it is not just about the mileage, but also about its impact on vehicles,” said another motorist.

According to experts, customers can sample the petrol using the portable octane analyzer. “If any doubt, they can raise the matter with the concerned authorities and request for an investigation into the matter,” said George Mathews, a mechanic based in Seeb.

Speaking to the Observer, a fuel station manager said, “We serve the fuel that we get from the refineries to the company. Customers can always lodge a complaint if they are dissatisfied with the product or the service.”