Okaz/Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — Owners of gas stations which have been closed down for failing to rectify various violations have accused the municipality of refusing to allow them to reopen despite a stay order issued by the Administrative Court. However, Jeddah Municipality spokesman Sami Al-Ghamdi said not all owners of gas stations that were shut down did challenge the municipality's decision. "We have followed the orders of the Administrative Court. The owners who have filed the lawsuit are able to reopen their stations until further notice. The owners who did not file a lawsuit must comply with our decision," said Al-Ghamdi. He said the municipality's role was not to penalize gas station owners, but to maintain the quality of services provided to the public. "Many gas station owners have cooperated with us because they are eager to improve their services. Not all owners did take a negative attitude toward the violation notices issued by us. Depending on the violation, some stations were completely shut and others were partially shut," said Al-Ghamdi. He said the municipality shut down only facilities that violated the regulations and not the entire service station. "Service stations that are shut completely have several violations recorded against them. The municipality has different regulations for gas stations inside the city and those on highways. The gas stations within the city have no restrictions with regard to fuel companies they deal with. However, those on inter-city roads must make contracts with fuel companies approved by the municipality," said Al-Ghamdi. Abdulaziz Salem, a gas station owner, said the municipality shut down a total of 150 stations. "The decision was so abrupt that I did not believe the municipality was serious in shutting them down. These gas stations have been operating for more than three decades and we cannot simply close down our businesses just like that. We need time to conform to new regulations and the municipality should realize this and give us more time," said Salem.
