DAMMAM: Sales of room heaters have increased in the Eastern Province because of the cold weather over the region. “We have kept huge stocks of room heaters, of various models, and we are confident that these huge stocks will be finished before the end of this winter season,” said Hameed, a supervisor at an electronics and home appliances shop in Al-Khobar. He said there was a 50 percent increase in the sales of room heaters over the past 15 days. Prices range from SR60 to SR500, he added. “We have introduced a newly-arrived Halogen lamp room heater model this year which costs only SR69. It has a facility to rotate, like fans,” said Nilesh, a salesman at a shopping center in Dhahran. He said it was a “very fast moving item” compared to oil and blower-type heaters. Most bachelors prefer to purchase room heaters below SR100. “I cannot afford more costly room heaters. Also, it will not be useful after these cold days. So normally I purchase the cheapest one every two years,” said Noorul Islam, a Bangladeshi customer. There have also been more sales registered at the Dammam Auction and Kharraj markets. “I have more than 200 used and damaged room heaters from various parts of Eastern Province at a very low cost. I have only 30 left,” said Ayman, a second hand seller at Dammam Auction Market. He said he makes good profits every year from this business. There are also some customers in the Eastern Province who prefer to purchase air conditioners with hot and cold options. Using kerosine heaters are not safe, according to Mohammed Saeed, an electrician in the Eastern Province. Civil Defense Authorities in the Eastern Province have warned both citizens and expatriates to take safety precautions whether they are using fires, heaters or other ways to warm up this winter.
