MUSCAT: With the spate of fire incidents at petrol pumps, concerns have grown over the dangers involved in refueling and implementation of rules and regulations. 

According to the latest data from Public Authority for Civil Defence and Ambulances (PACDA), fuel station fire accidents in 2018 are five times more than previous years. “There were six fuel station accidents in 2018, while in 2017 it was just one incident,” the data revealed. However, in 2016, there were nine fuel pump fire incidents reported in the country.

PACDA has also warned about the possibility of more such fire incidents at fuel stations due to rise in temperatures.  According to PACDA, failing to comply with safety measures issued by Directorate General for Civil Protection with regards to health and safety during refill and leakage of oil from vehicle during refueling can lead to fire incidents.