The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Energy has announced strict new fuel safety regulations in Saudi Arabia concerning refueling at petrol stations and service centers. These directives mandate that fuel must be denied to customers who fail to adhere to the designated queue or who do not switch off their vehicle’s engine. The Ministry has issued a strong warning to pump owners and operators to strictly implement this new instruction, emphasizing the goal is to enhance safety and provide better service to customers.
Why the Strict Decision? Addressing Safety and Congestion
This crucial decision by the Ministry of Energy comes in response to the growing congestion and safety concerns at petrol pumps across Saudi Arabia. The new guidelines aim to streamline operations at service stations and strictly guarantee the safety of everyone present.
Two Key Rules: Violation Leads to Fuel Denial
The new instructions are straightforward but highly stringent. Customers must primarily focus on two directives. These are the important new fuel safety regulations in Saudi Arabia
- Mandatory Queue Adherence
It is common for vehicles at busy pumps to disregard the queue, obstructing the flow of other traffic. Under the new rules, no fuel should be dispensed to any vehicle that fails to follow the stipulated queue.
Objective: To ensure smooth traffic flow within the stations, eliminate confusion, and guarantee timely service for all customers.
Enforcement: The Ministry has given clear instructions to pump staff and management. Under the new law, employees have the full authority to either redirect queue jumpers back into the line or deny them fuel altogether.
- Engine Must Be Switched Off
While switching off the engine during refueling is an existing safety rule, many customers frequently fail to comply. The new regulation mandates that the vehicle’s engine must be switched off when refueling.
Reasoning: This instruction is crucial to prevent accidents like fires and explosions at petrol pumps. Running engines, especially when fuel vapors are present in the air, can lead to serious hazards.
Enforcement: The Ministry has directed that fuel should be withheld from any customer who refuses to turn off their engine. This underscores the government’s commitment to non-negotiable safety standards.
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Enhanced Service and Safety Benefits
The Ministry states that these strict rules are not intended to inconvenience customers, but rather to guarantee a better service experience and substantially improve safety:
Faster Service: Strict adherence to the queue system ensures that every customer receives service quickly, reducing delays and overall congestion at the pumps.
Accident Prevention: Rigid enforcement of safety rules, like engine switch-off, makes gas stations significantly safer environments.
Deterring Violations: By excluding those who violate the rules, the system ensures fair and equal service for all compliant customers.
The circular sent to those in charge of management, operation, and maintenance of gas stations grants them full authority to refuse fuel to non-compliant customers. Therefore, all residents and visitors in Saudi Arabia must be fully aware of and strictly adhere to these new fuel safety regulations in Saudi Arabia. This change is expected to make fuel stations across the Kingdom more efficient and safer spaces.
Key Safety and Quality Regulations Implemented by Saudi Authorities
The Saudi Ministry of Energy and other authorities have been implementing strict regulations regarding fuel safety for many years.
- Fuel Pump Quality Inspection (Pump Calibration & Quality)
Accuracy in Measurement: To prevent manipulation of meter readings at the pumps, the Saudi Ministry of Commerce (MCI) initiated strict inspections starting in 2017.
Electronic System: Electronic inspection and calibration systems have been made mandatory for all fuel pumps. Penalties were imposed on stations using pumps that lacked proper inspection labels or failed inspection tests.
- Saudi Fuel Gas Code
Safety Code: This code, introduced in 2023, encompasses the provisions and requirements related to the design and installation of fuel gas distribution pipelines, systems, ventilation mechanisms, and gas fueling stations for cars. - Transportation Regulations for Petroleum Products
Tanker Control: The Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) has imposed strict technical regulations on tankers used for transporting petroleum products, ensuring they adhere to necessary safety requirements. - General Civil Defence Regulations
Like all commercial establishments, petrol pumps must comply with stringent Civil Defence (Rescue Department) safety standards. This includes requirements for fire prevention equipment, emergency procedures, and licensed safety audits. - Quality Standards for Station Facilities
Service Standards: Fuel stations are mandated to provide essential facilities of a specified standard, such as restrooms, cafes, and prayer areas. Regulations imposing fines (up to SAR 2,500) on stations that fail to maintain these facilities were implemented in 2023.
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