Qatar Fuel (Woqod) is engaged in the construction of additional fuel tanks at Hamad International Airport (HIA) “on its own expense,” in support of aviation operations, chief executive officer Saad Rashid al-Muhannadi has said.
In his report during Woqod’s annual general meeting, which was presided over by chairman Ahmed Saif al-Sulaiti on Sunday, al-Muhannadi said there was a 10% increase in average yearly jet fuel sales.He noted that Woqod is currently engaged in discussions with HIA and the Civil Aviation Authority to improve the storage capacity at HIA to meet the growing demand, and to take full advantage of the new pipeline connection from Ras Laffan, where Woqod, “on its own expense,” will construct additional aviation turbine fuel tanks at HIA.
Al-Muhannadi also reported that Woqod recorded a 275% increase in bitumen sales in 2017 “as a result of the approved marketing policy.”
“Despite the circumstances created by the unjust blockade, Woqod ensured uninterrupted supply of bitumen in the local market. Woqod’s local market share increased from 60% to 90%, while bitumen logistics and supply chain were strengthened to meet the increasing demand. Woqod is currently engaged in the phased construction of bitumen storage facilities at Mesaieed Port,” he said.
Al-Muhannadi said Woqod is currently performing bunker operations from all Qatari ports and within Qatari territorial waters based from bunkering facilities at Ras Laffan, owned by Qatar Petroleum.
He said bunker operations from the facilities started in 2017 in collaboration with Qatar Petroleum, adding that bunker distribution increased tenfold in comparison with quantities distributed in 2016.
Al-Muhannadi said LPG sales increased by 17% last year from the sales achieved in 2016, while Shafaf cylinder sales increased by 7% as part of Woqod’s campaign to phase out “high-risk” steel cylinders, which will be phased out by the end of the month.
Woqod is also collaborating with Qatar Petroleum to operate new natural gas stations, according to al-Muhannadi. He said Woqod is supplying natural gas to factories located in the new industrial area.
The company is also operating a station for compressed natural gas (CNG). The collaboration with QP for managing and operating new CNG Stations across Qatar is ongoing, even as Woqod is managing and distributing the product from a pilot station since 2012.
Al-Muhannadi also reported on the five-year renewal of an exclusive contract for vehicle technical inspection with the Ministry of Interior. He said the number of vehicle technical inspection centres (Fahes) reached 12 centres, comprising of seven permanent centres and five mobile stations.
Construction work for heavy vehicles inspection centre at Al Mazrooaa is currently underway, and Woqod is planning to build another centre at Mowate City, he said.
Al-Muhannadi also said non-fuel sales increased 17% last year compared to 2016. The company introduced new lubricant brands compliant with car manufacturers’ recommendations; dry cleaning services were also introduced in some fuel stations, he added.
