ABU DHABI // The new fuel prices have prompted many drivers to take the opportunity to re-evaluate their lifestyles in case costs continue to rise – with some even considering selling their cars.
Ayman Mohammed, a 35-year-old Egyptian who works for Dubai Municipality, has already made contingency plans.
“I travel daily to Dubai and come back home to my family in Al Ain the same day,” said Mr Mohammed, a father of two. He travels about 270 kilometres a day.
“I currently own a sports car,” he said. “These cars usually use more fuel than regular cars.” As a result, he said he would sell his car, a Volkswagen Golf, and replace it with one that is more economical.
His Golf has a six-cylinder engine, and he expects to downgrade to a four-cylinder.
“I might go for a Camry or even a Honda, but I’ll definitely have to get rid of my current car,” Mr Mohammed said.
He also has a Plan B. “I might move my family from Al Ain,” he said. Mr Mohammed’s wife, Hanaan Musa, recently gave birth to a baby girl. She is concerned about any dramatic action her husband might consider.
“Moving out of Al Ain is something that I am not looking forward to,” she said.
Her family lives in Al Ain, and she wishes to remain in the city.
“Especially now that I have recently given birth, I wish to have my mum by my side all the time,” said Ms Musa, 31.
Some residents have considered abandoning driving altogether.
“Many friends of mine are thinking of selling their cars, and using public transport instead,” Mr Mohammed said. “To me, it’s a no-go.”
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More on fuel prices
■ UAE fuel price change would cost about $387 per head this year
■ Analysis: long-term gain outweighs short-term pain
■ Other GCC countries may follow UAE lead
■ UAE petrol price rise 'could have been worse'
■ Minister of Energy says new petrol prices are still relatively low
■ UAE taxi firms undecided on hike, but rise is inevitable say cabbies
■ UAE fuel prices for August announced
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ealdhaheri@thenational.ae
