Bahrain’s petrol pumps could soon become the centre of a parliamentary debate, with MPs demanding answers over motorists’ claims that their fuel is disappearing faster than ever before ... even though they are paying more to fill up their tanks.
MP Jalal Kadhem Al Mahfoodh is spearheading a move, backed by several MPs, calling on the Cabinet to attend a general meeting with Parliament and discuss the complaints, including whether any changes to petrol specifications or composition could be affecting fuel consumption.
The request, submitted to Parliament Speaker Ahmed Al Musallam yesterday, seeks a government explanation based on technical tests and scientific expertise.
It comes as motorists are nowadays paying 225 fils per litre for 91-octane Jayyid, 247 fils for 95-octane Mumtaz and 380 fils for 98-octane Super, with diesel at 229 fils per litre.
Mr Al Mahfoodh said the MPs had received complaints from citizens who claimed their vehicles appear to be consuming petrol faster despite no significant change in their driving habits or distances travelled.
“We have received complaints and observations from a number of citizens that petrol is now running out of their vehicles in a shorter period than usual, despite no noticeable change in the way they use their vehicles or in the distances they travel.”
He said the issue needed to be settled through evidence rather than assumptions, particularly when higher fuel costs already place additional pressure on household budgets.
“The citizen who bears the increase in petrol prices has the right to know the reasons behind complaints concerning the speed at which fuel is being consumed.”
Mr Al Mahfoodh said the authorities should establish whether there had been any change in petrol specifications or components capable of affecting the mileage achieved by vehicles.
“We’re calling for technical tests and scientific comparisons to verify the quality of petrol and its consumption efficiency, and to determine whether there have been any changes in its specifications or components that could affect the distance travelled by vehicles.”
The proposed parliamentary discussion would allow the government to address whether the complaints have a measurable technical basis and, if so, what is causing the reported change.
Mr Al Mahfoodh stressed that the MPs were seeking verification rather than jumping to conclusions.
“These observations require serious attention and action by the competent authorities to verify their causes and ensure that citizens are not subjected to additional financial burdens without the necessary explanations,” he added.
The MPs also want the government to consider the wider effect of fuel prices on Bahraini households amid rising daily living costs.
“Protecting citizens’ interests and enhancing transparency in dealing with their complaints are responsibilities that require follow-up and attention from the relevant government authorities.
“We’re seeking a face-to-face government explanation – and motorists are waiting for an answer to a simple question: if they are filling up more often, what is making the fuel run out faster?”
A motoring expert laughed off suggestions of fuel changes at the point of delivery saying if prices go up it’s obviously going to cost more to fill up the tank. “If drivers want to save money on their motoring costs they need to change their driving habits by cutting their speed and by eliminating sudden, heavy breaking,” he told the GDN. “They’ll probably find the journey safer and more enjoyable too.”
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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