JEDDAH — Only three fuel companies have met the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs' two-year deadline to ensure they are free of any discrepancies. The ministry issued its new regulations in February this year stating that all fuel companies and gas stations must earn a certification from the ministry stating they are legitimate. They must also obtain another license allowing company owners to operate the stations. There are less than 12 months left until the end of the deadline. The three companies that have earned their certifications are yet to obtain their operational licenses. The ministry's official spokesman Hamad Al-Amr said the certified companies have a time period of six months to obtain the operational license. If the operational license is not obtained in time, then the company will have to apply for the certification again. Al-Amr said: “Without an operational license, the company will not receive its supply of fuel. “The ministry has a strong mechanism to follow up with all gas stations and fuel companies in the Kingdom. “By cooperating with municipalities, the ministry will penalize any company operating without a license or certification.” Investors said they found the deadlines to be unreasonable as getting the ministry's certification takes six months to a year. With only three certified companies, investors are worried that the gas station market will be monopolized. Investors are requesting an extension of the deadline in order for them to be able to meet the ministry's requirements. Ayman Bashawri, owner of several gas stations, said that there is no time to meet the requirements as gas station owners would need financial capital of SR100 million to comply with the new regulations.
