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Sharjah motorists hail more Adnoc stations

Residents in Sharjah are expecting to save fils, with plans to open six new Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) petrol stations next year.

Six new petrol stations will be set up in Sharjah, part of 13 new stations to be set up by Adnoc across the country as part of the company’s plan for 2014.

Adnoc Public Relations manager Ibrahim Mohamad Al-Marzouqi made the announcement on the radio show “Live Programme”, broadcast by UAE Radio and TV from Sharjah with presenter Mohammed Majid Al Suwaidi.

“The new gas stations will be set up at Al Maleeha Road, Al Badair, Emirates Road (formerly Dubai Bypass), near Scouts Commission, Sharjah Corniche in the direction of Ajman and near Sharjah Expo at Al Taawun.”

Melvin Gonzaga, a Filipino expatriate living in Sharjah but working in Dubai, said the move was very advantageous for motorists because Adnoc’s petrol is cheap. “I think it is cheaper by 50 fils. Even now, I prefer to use Adnoc’s special petrol because their petrol is different.

I find my car to be functioning smoothly every time I use Adnoc petrol,” he said.

Mohammed Aslan, a Pakistani expatriate working in Jebel Ali but staying in Sharjah for the past seven years, was another happy customer pleased to hear the Adnoc plans. “Adnoc petrol is the cheapest in the UAE. It has an Economy Plus, which is very cheap and only available from Adnoc.”

Earlier this month, Adnoc began taking over Emarat’s 75 petrol stations as well as its oil terminal at Port Khalid, after an initial announcement signalling the move last year, for a bigger geographical foothold which has given it access to the retail petroleum business in the Northern Emirates.

The takeover plan was announced in September last year, while in the beginning of this year, Adnoc Distribution started supplying its products to the Emarat service stations through the Sharjah Terminal.

The takeover means Adnoc will adjust all losses, which were incurred by Emarat on account of its procurement of petroleum products from international market at a higher price and its sale at a discounted price. Adnoc Distribution has taken over 31 petrol stations in Sharjah, 16 in Ras Al Khaimah, 12 in Fujairah, ten in Ajman and six in Umm Al Quwain.

Adnoc Distribution CEO Abdulla Al Dhaheri said in a recent statement that he planned to start implementing changes to the interior and exterior of the service stations immediately.

The first phase of the re-branding will commence with two pilot service stations — Al Madar service station in Sharjah and Al Nadya service station in RAK — by placing the Adnoc logo and distinguished design of service stations, which are expected to be completed within this year.

“The re-branding of the other service stations is expected to span 24 months or a maximum of five years after acquiring the service stations as agreed,” he said.

For customer convenience, coordination with Emarat will be under way to facilitate the placement of Adnoc Distribution pole sign at the entrance of each service station. “We are committed to continue the implementation of our strategic plans in terms of expansion projects and develop our services in accordance with global standards.“

Adnoc Distribution is continually strengthening its capabilities, increasing the efficiency of the administrative and operational capacities, as well as developing and introducing new services and projects, which are designed to meet the customers’ requirements.

Adnoc Distribution’s landmark deal with Emirates General Petroleum Corporation or Emarat will give access to the petrol stations in the Northern Emirates, giving it a wider geographical footprint in two years. Last week, Adnoc increased diesel prices by 15 fils to Dh3.45 a litre in the Northern Emirates.

news@khaleejtimes.com