AL-KHARJ — Diesel shortages has badly affected the harvest in Al-Kharj, according to a number of farmers. Lack of diesel at gas stations has negatively impacted their produce and damaged most of their crops, forcing many to stop cultivating clover as they are unable to irrigate their farms. Some farmers blamed Saudi Aramco for the shortage while others said farmers smuggling their diesel quota to neighboring countries were responsible for the shortage. “This summer, quantities of diesel have been dwindling and this has led to the creation of a black market. Now, prices of diesel have tripled,” said farmer Muhammad Abdullah. “The diesel distributor who used to supply me regularly with the fuel is saying they aren't getting enough supply. This will definitely damage my crops because they aren't getting enough water. Who will supply us with diesel if the distributor cannot and Aramco just blames the dealers for smuggling diesel out of the country?” Farmers criticized Saudi Aramco for asking them to sign new contracts and indicate if they needed additional quantities of diesel, as they felt it could not provide the quantities stated in the old contracts let alone additional quantities. The shortage of diesel has also created a wave of resentment between owners of bakeries as the Ministry of Municipal Affairs has ordered them to replace diesel with gasoline. Owners say they will incur substantial financial losses as gasoline costs twice as much. Many bakeries have reduced the quantities of bread they produce, a matter that will have a negative impact on customers. The situation has also prompted owners of the restaurants to use gas and coal for cooking. — SG
