MUSCAT // Omani authorities are working on ways to foil attempts at fuel smuggling into the UAE now that the increase in petrol prices has taken effect.
Filling stations in areas across the border from Al Ain are anticipating a rush of vehicles from the UAE, The Times of Oman reported.
The cost of petrol in Oman is the equivalent of Dh1.14 per litre for Super and Dh1.1 for Regular, compared with Dh2.25 and Dh2.14 respectively in the UAE as of Saturday. An Omani government source said that strategies to thwart smugglers had been discussed. Records show that more than 25 fuel smugglers were arrested and faced trial in 2012.
Experts said that lorries can carry between 500 and 1,200 litres of fuel and smugglers could cross the border, empty their tanks and then repeat the process up to three times a day at different border posts, netting them as much as Dh2,900 in profit a day.
Mohammed bin Salim Al Busaidi, a member of Oman’s consultative assembly, said: “Such smugglers think they can make quick money. They don’t understand that they are affecting the country negatively by indulging in such acts.”
Filling stations in areas such as Buraimi and Madha, which share a border with the UAE, are expecting an increase in business.
Assemblyman Rashid Al Shamsi, who represents Buraimi, said that he expected a cross-border rush but was certain there would not be a shortage. “The number of vehicles will rise but I think the quantity of fuel received by petrol stations in Buraimi and others will meet the daily needs.”
“It is during weekends that we will witness a bigger rush as many Omanis living in the UAE and Emiratis head to Buraimi.”
Some residents in Buraimi and other areas close to the border expressed displeasure at the expected rush at Omani filling stations.
“Because of the slight price difference that exists there is already a rush on weekends.
“Can you imagine what it will be like once the price is deregulated?” a resident said.
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