BURAIDAH – Rural areas of the Kingdom are facing an increasing problem of diesel shortage which is threatening their ability to produce and irrigate crops properly.
The problem originally confined to the Taif region has now spread to Al-Jouf and Hail regions.
Saleh Al-Shayea Al-Krei’, owner of an agricultural project in Al-Jouf, said the filling station in Al-Jouf is unable to supply diesel distributors with sufficient quantities, as it has decreased the quantities granted to farmers by 60%.
Chairman of the Agricultural Committee in Al-Jouf Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ghali Mubarak Al-Fehaiqi, said an emergency meeting would be held this week to discuss the increasing fuel shortages with farmers and to suggest solutions.
Assistant Director General of Agricultural Affairs for the Al-Jouf region, Khamees Anan Al-Daghmani said farmers are suffering because of fuel scarcity in the region.
He said a continued fuel shortage could cause massive agricultural losses to farmers if they are unable to pump water using diesel pumps or transport their produce.
Close to 32,000 hectares of land is at risk.
Saudi Gazette
