*Woqod to expand the activities of vehicle technical inspection facility Fahes in the country

Woqod will build 30 more fuel stations in Qatar this year, CEO Saad Rashid al-Muhannadi said on Monday.

Currently, Woqod operates some 84 fuel stations across the country.

Besides building new fuel stations in Qatar last year, Woqod has “enhanced the capability and efficiency” of stations by increasing the number of dispensers (in stations currently under construction) by 61%.

Woqod, al-Muhannadi said, will continue to add new dispensers during 2019 and thereafter, in order to “reduce the congestion and queue” of vehicles at fuel stations resulting from the closure of many private stations.

He further emphasised that “in pursuit of its role for serving the country and the community, Woqod will not hesitate to build fuel stations at any location and at any time in case of availability of land and the need for the project.”

With regard to the Bitumen Facilities Expansion Project, bitumen tanks providing 15,000tonnes of storage capacity have already been completed. This expansion will allow Woqod to retain its market share and deliver product to customers in a timely manner and at a competitive price, and will also contribute to the optimisation of costs of storage services on ships.

The remaining parts of the project will be finalised by April, the CEO said.

As for Woqod’s technical inspection (vehicle inspection) company – Fahes, he said the company added a permanent facility at Al Sheehaniyah along with another temporary centre to its network last year

Currently the total number of such operating centres is 12 including five mobile units. Al Mazrooaa facility will be added in the few coming months, and another one at Mowater city will follow at a later stage.

In 2018, the sales of various types of fuels have witnessed a 4.2% increase compared to the year before.

Bunker fuel sales increased by 185.7%, whereas butane gas saw an increase of 12.7%. Quantities of fuel retail sales volume increased by 14%, whereas non-fuel retail sales showed a 3.6% increase in terms of revenues. This increase was due to the opening of more new fuel stations by the company.

Accordingly, Woqod’s stake of retail market increased to 70% last year in comparison with 58% for 2017.

The company has an ambitious plan to ensure sustainable increase of its market stake in distribution and transportation of petroleum products, gas, bitumen and bunker fuel.

“This would be achieved through the implementation and operation of various projects, and concluding the necessary contracts and agreements relevant to these activities with the support of quality control systems, modern technology systems, as well as the introduction of the highest health, safety and security systems along with environmental maintenance/ preservation measures,” the Woqod CEO added.

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