RIYADH — Several gas cylinder outlets closed down in Riyadh due to inadequate supplies. The problem was more evident in north and east of Riyadh as residents, businesses and restaurants rushed to secure their needs at higher prices. Closed outlets posted signs that gas was not available. Many businesses were partially closed during the weekend. The crisis comes at the heels of a similar situation in Jazan. Many businesses there had to close down for shortage of gas. This highlights the less than adequate quality of service offered by the gas company. Business owners complained of the losses they incurred. They had to shut down, giving their workers off. The continued gas shortage is expected to cause these businesses great losses. Some tried to circumvent the shortage by buying gas cylinders on the black market at much higher prices. The gas company recently changed the old gas cylinder valves with safer ones. This also requires changing the gas cylinder regulator, which may explain the shortage. — SG
