Launching the Tenth Regulatory Campaign Across Fuel Stations and Service Centers in 23 Cities and Provinces Nationwide
In a coordinated effort involving over 300 inspectors from 11 government entities, a comprehensive regulatory campaign has commenced in the Kingdom, marking its tenth iteration. This initiative, led by the Permanent Executive Committee for Service Centers and Fuel Stations, spans 23 regions and cities and will persist for four weeks. The timing is particularly significant as it coincides with the influx of pilgrims arriving for Hajj and the approaching Eid al-Adha holiday.
Launched last Sunday, the campaign’s primary focus is to ensure that fuel stations and service centers adhere to regulatory standards. Key aspects of compliance include the availability of fuel products and the quality of these products, ensuring they meet approved specifications. Inspectors will collect samples of various types of gasoline, diesel, and oils to ascertain their quality. Additionally, the campaign aims to verify that these establishments possess the necessary operational licenses and permits, such as the compliance stickers for fuel dispensers, appropriate licenses for station personnel, and the requisite environmental permits mandated for operations. Inspectors will also assess the preparedness and maintenance of mosques and their facilities, as well as other critical elements included in the oversight evaluation.
The previous campaign, which took place in February, resulted in the closure of eight stations due to insufficient compliance with minimum regulatory requirements. Additionally, 141 stations faced partial closures for violations related to measuring and calibration standards. During this enforcement action, over 1,900 observations and violations were documented, leading to appropriate legal measures being imposed on those found non-compliant. Subsequently, operators were alerted about the necessity to rectify these issues in order to ensure full compliance with established regulations and standards.
This latest campaign is set to target more than 913 fuel stations distributed across 21 regions within the Kingdom. The impressive turnout of 311 inspectors from various government departments further underscores the commitment to regulatory compliance.
To enhance public involvement and feedback, the committee encourages consumers to report any observations regarding fuel stations and service centers. Individuals can do so by contacting the Ministry of Energy’s partner care center, utilizing the phone numbers 1914 and 8001244777. Moreover, a dedicated application for service partners can be accessed from both the Apple Store and Android Store, in addition to reaching out through the committee’s account on the X platform, @FSEC_KSA.
The Permanent Executive Committee for Service Centers and Fuel Stations is led by the Ministry of Energy and comprises several other important government bodies. These include the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Transport and Logistics Services, the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Media, the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture—represented by the National Center for Environmental Compliance—along with the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance, and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. Furthermore, the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization plays a crucial role in all regulatory campaigns and inspections conducted at service centers and fuel stations.
In conclusion, this extensive oversight operation aims not only to maintain regulatory compliance among fuel stations and service centers but also to ensure the safety and satisfaction of consumers, particularly during a period of heightened activity with the Hajj and the upcoming Eid festivities. The collaborative effort of multiple governmental agencies exemplifies the Kingdom’s commitment to upholding safety and quality standards in essential services.
