The fact that diesel is almost six times cheaper in Qatar than some neighbouring countries due to the huge subsidy provided by the government prompts many shady operators to smuggle it.
“The government fully subsidises diesel to meet the local demand. If we compare diesel prices in Qatar with those in other GCC countries we find that there is a difference of six times,” local Arabic daily Al Arab said recently quoting a source.
Diesel is smuggled into some neighboring countries as a result of the price difference.
However, another person said that some local construction companies also buy diesel from the black market. That also prompts the shady operators to thrive, the daily said.
As per the policy for selling diesels in the country, bigger trucks can fill up to 300 liters at one time, while the smaller trucks are allowed only 200 liters.
In plastic cans up to 60 liters of diesel is allowed to be filled up by petrol filing stations, whereas the metallic barrels can be filled up with 200 liters with the permission of Woqod, local distributors of petroleum products.
“We go by the book and follow the instructions strictly, Izzuddin Samran, an employee of a petrol station. Whenever we suspect any violation of the rules we take photo of the vehicle and inform our senior officials and the police,” Samran added.
Petrol stations employees get reward (incentive) for foiling smuggling attempts, said Samran.
Some employees of petrol stations are also involve in the illegal trade but the smugglers have other tricks up their sleeves to carry out their shady operations, said an employee of a petrol station.
They first store it in some place and when the quantity becomes sufficient for smuggling they sell.
http://thepeninsulaqatar.com/qatar/256618-illegal-diesel-trade-flourishes.html
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