BY MOHAMMAD SHOEB

DOHA: Qatar Fuel (Woqod) will soon introduce 25 specially-designed fuel tankers as mobile filling stations in areas such as Corniche Road F-Ring Road and others.

Many such mobile facilities have been deployed in localities that have no petrol stations.

Woqod is operating 27 petrol stations across the country and expected to open another 20 by 2016.

The move apparently follows demand from public representatives to provide petrol filling facilities in different areas where petrol stations have been demolished as part of developmental projects.

“We have ordered about 25 more tankers to be used as mobile fuel stations in some areas which are expected to be delivered within two months” Ibrahim Jaham Al Kuwari CEO Woqod told this daily on the sidelines of the inauguration of Woqod’s new service station and Fahes (vehicles’ technical inspection centre) in Al Wakra yesterday.

“We are trying to address the issue of lack of petrol stations in some important areas in cooperation with the government. We are seeking support of authorities to expand our networks in specially identified areas. As soon as we get permission we will immediately deploy mobile fuel stations in those places not properly covered.”

About 12 mobile fuel stations are in operation at different strategic locations including Al Wakra Al Shamal and other government-controlled places.

Motorists in Doha face long queues at limited number of fuel stations as many were demolished due to safety and security concerns or to make way for developmental projects and road expansions.

The Central Municipal Council (CMC) earlier this year discussed the issue and urged the Ministry of Municipality and Urban Planning not to demolish filling stations any more.

The new integrated service facility which is Woqod’s 27 petrol station is at Al Wakra-Mesaieed road.

Yesterday it was officially inaugurated by Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani Chairman Woqod and distinguished guests.

“We are glad to inaugurate a new service station and Fahes centre today (yesterday). The centre will start inspection operations soon after finalising small technical issues. It is the 27th service station and the third Fahes centre Woqod has completed so far” added AI Kuwari.

“In designing the project we took into account the needs of the community in Al Wakra and Mesaieed.”

It also has a Sidra convenience store car wash and a multipurpose automobile service bay for basic maintenance. The new Fahes centre stands out with a single window system directly linked to the Traffic Department and insurance companies.

He said further sites will be opened this year in ‘different locations. Woqod has eight additional service stations under construction which are expected to be inaugurated by 2015-end or beginning of 2016.”

Woqod also plans to establish new Fahes inspection lines in existing petrol stations subject to availability of space. This is in addition to other expansion projects which are almost complete and expected to be opened this year.