(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Public opinion on the streets of Muscat
The price of crude oil is touching a two-year high? How is the increase affecting you?
Muneer Thazhe Purayil, Teacher
It is going to affect us very badly. My monthly fuel consumption is quite high. I have to drive around every day for different activities like work, dropping children to school and attending to other chores. When fuel was available at subsidised rates we did not feel the pinch. However, the gradual rise has forced me to cut down on my leisure trips. Several families are bound to get affected by this.
Mohammad al Qasmi, Doctor
It depends on one's income. The price rise is going to affect low income families. Though, I haven't cut down my travel, the increase has affected my monthly expenses.
Saadia Usman, Teacher
Increasing oil prices is a major concern as directly or indirectly it affects our day-to-day routine. It also affects our businesses. A lot of families prefer staying home and avoid recreational activities to cut down on expenses. Some other aspects getting affected include eating out, travel and medical services. I wonder why measures have not been taken to address oil price volatility.
Hisham Talaat, Teacher
Hike in oil price has affected every aspect of our life. Food and other household items have become expensive affecting our monthly budget.
Hamad Khamis, Private sector employee
Increase in oil prices may be good for the country but it has affected the common man adversely. I have to drive every day to work to Qurm from Ma'abela. The hike has affected my monthly fuel expense.
Ashraf Khalaf Khalfan, Rig operator
Before the fuel subsidy was removed, we never thought of fuel expense but now we count each kilometre. My whole family has been affected by the hike because we have to exercise restrain in everyday expenses. Our social life too seems to be affected.
Do you think takers for hybrid cars would increase with the rise in petrol price?
Ahmed Harith al Hinai, Head of compliance
Hybrid cars will definitely gain popularity as the range increases. High cost is the Achilles heel of these vehicles. In Oman, people tend to travel long distances, so that too may be a cause of concern.
Jasim al Balushi, IT supervisor
It would take at least 15 years for hybrid cars to gain mass acceptance. Petrol and diesel vehicles are cost-effective. Ultimately, what will kill internal combustion engines is regulation by governments.
Radhiya al Siyabi, Personal assistant
Concern for environment is making many go for hybrid cars. A hybrid vehicle produces less emission. More and more car-makers are planning to manufacture hybrid vehicles. Hybrid cars are an answer to rising oil prices too.
Sonali Dash, Homemaker
The concept of hybrid cars gets a lot of attention when climate changes and oil prices take centrestage. Hybrid cars have their own advantage and disadvantage. The speed limits are high here and I doubt if hybrid cars will support that. Their prices too are more. If demand increases, a huge amount will have to be spent for support and service of these cars.
Anil Singdeo, Quantity surveyor
I doubt if hybrid cars will gain popularity due to rise in petrol prices. Though these cars are energy-efficient and packed with loads of features they are priced steep.
Authorities have announced that soon we will have regulations regarding the use of Electric Vehicles. Would you go for an EV if given a chance?
Joshimuddin, Businessman
I will surely go for it but after all experiments and trials are done. It is too early to purchase one as the country does not have proper infrastructure to support the technology. It will be a waste of both my money and time.
Mohammad Rahim Ullah, Businessman
Yes, I will try Electric Vehicles, because oil and gas will soon be a thing of the past. Also, we have some responsibility towards reducing global warming and must try out different methods. Hopefully, the prices will not be that steep.
Zajed Chowdhury, General manager
I am no Elon Musk who tries new and crazy ideas like EV and hyperloop. I will not jump into it so soon. I will wait for some time to see if it can be a good option.
Fahad al Balushi, Government employee
It is good that Oman is taking the initiative to promote EV. But it might take some time before we can see it on Oman's roads. Till then, we need more options of hybrid cars as they are more fuel-efficient and emit less.
Faris al Balushi, Oil & gas sector employee
Even if Oman starts EV regulations this year, it will take more than a couple of years to get the infrastructure in place. EVs are the future of the automobile industry. I would love to have one as it runs on green technology.
Ghulam Mohammed, Manager
It is a prudent decision to start early and be part of the change which is sure to sweep the automobile industry in the years to come. With rising oil prices, I would love to own an EV but at present it is too expensive.
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