SHARJAH // The Sharjah Executive Council announced today that Enoc Group had until Friday to reopen and refuel its idled petrol stations – or leave the emirate.
A statement today said the 72-hour deadline was set yesterday at the council's regular weekly meeting, led by Sheikh Abdullah bin Salim Al Qassimi, the Deputy Ruler of Sharjah.
"The Executive Council directed the Sharjah Economic Development Department to close down all stations and facilities owned by Enoc Group after 72 hours from Tuesday, June 21, 2011, if the group fails to resume work at all its petrol stations in Sharjah," the council's statement today said.
The company, which operates Enoc and Eppco stations, has been informed of the decision; a spokesman was not immediately available for comment.
More than two weeks ago, the Executive Council gave the petrol company 48 hours to explain why its facilities in Sharjah were dry.
There has been no public response from either side, but the council acknowledged today it had spoken with Enoc Group regarding the first ultimatum, without giving details of the discussions.
Enoc and Eppco petrol stations in the emirate have been unable to pump fuel for about a month. Company representatives have said the shortages throughout the Northern Emirates were caused by technical upgrades at its facilities.
But none of its stations in Sharjah have shown any signs of such work.
Analysts have said it is likely that the petrol company stopped supplying its Northern Emirates stations because Government-regulated prices mean it loses money on fuel sales there.
ykakande@thenational.ae
