M91 fuel still capped: Oil ministry official

The price of M91 has not risen above 186 baisas and won’t in the foreseeable future

MUSCAT: M91 fuel is still capped at 186 baisas a litre, the Undersecretary at the Ministry of Oil and Gas has confirmed.

Residents worried about ris- ing fuel costs can heave a sigh of relief after the senior ministry official said the price of M91 has not risen above its capped price of 186 baisas – and won’t for the foreseeable future.

Salim Al Aufi, speaking exclusively to Times of Oman, said the cap is still running despite a hike in all fuel prices for May which left residents reeling.

Oman scrapped its fuel subsidy last year and residents have watched prices climb steadily ever since.

On February 7, Oman’s Council of Ministers ordered a price freeze on M91 after calls from Shura Council members and residents for an urgent review of the escalating costs.

Yesterday, the ministry announced M91 would be hiked from 180 baisas to 186 baisas per litre for the month of May – sparking widespread speculation that the cap had ended.

Al Aufi explained that the price had actually been lowered below the cap in April and was simply returning to its capped level for the month of May.

He said: “First, it was not a freeze but ‘capping’ at the February monthly price for M91 only. The February pump price for M91 was 186 baisas per litre.

“Second, the decision to cap the price of M91 to the February level was taken by the cabinet, not the Ministry of Oil & Gas,” he added.

The Sea of Oman is one of the most unique marine treasures in the region and home to many Arabian Sea Humpback Whales. They, and many other species, are now facing threats due to overdevelopment, entanglement and pollution. Research and the...

Salim Al Aufi, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Oil and Gas.

PRICE CONTROL: Council of Ministers had ordered a price freeze on M91 after calls from Shura Council members and residents for an urgent review of the escalating costs.