Rapid spread of gas stations fuels controversy in Gaza
Gas stations are increasingly being invested in under the degenerating economic and humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, pointing at conflicting interests between Gaza’s Ministry of Finance and Planning and the Ministry of Local Government.
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — Many gas stations have recently opened in the Gaza Strip with local investors increasingly interested in this business, amid the worsening industrial, trade and development sectors that have resulted from the ongoing Israeli blockade and recurring wars.
Mahmoud al-Shawa, the chairman of Gaza's Petroleum and Gas Station Owners Association, told Al-Monitor there are 40 gas stations in Gaza City, out of a total of 300 throughout Gaza. There were 19 in Gaza City prior to May 2014.
Until recently, the majority of Gaza’s gas stations were very primitive, featuring old gas pumps and providing no services other than fueling vehicles.
Now, with local investors increasingly investing in this business, sophisticated gas stations are being built that feature modern design, electronic gas pumps and multiple services such as car washes and oil-change facilities.
