The Arrecife City Council has authorized the demolition of a dilapidated building, formerly a brothel, located at 172 León y Castillo street, in the Las Rapaduras area. This site will host the first Petroprix service station in Lanzarote, adding to the growing number of low-cost gas stations on the island.
The proposed location for the new gas station is in an area already densely populated with service stations. Along the stretch of León y Castillo street, between the municipal sports center and the Los Geranios roundabout, four pumps are already operating, including a Plenoil station. The arrival of Petroprix would bring the total number of gas stations in this residential and commercial area to five.
“"The growth of gas stations in different neighborhoods does not align with the city model that our party advocates. Continuing to expand this type of facility means saturating urban spaces and maintaining an excessive dependence on private vehicles."
The Local Committee of Nueva Canarias-Bloque Canarista (NC-BC) in Arrecife has expressed its strong opposition to the proliferation of new gas stations, labeling this urban model as “obsolete” and contrary to sustainability. Local spokesperson, Sheila Guillén, conveyed her party's concern about the high concentration of these infrastructures, particularly on León y Castillo street, and the negative impact they have on traffic and residents' quality of life.
NC-BC argues that adding more supply points does not meet a real need and, on the contrary, reinforces a mobility system centered on private cars, contrary to European trends towards sustainable transport. The party also questions whether a greater number of gas stations will reduce fuel prices, as these depend on global factors. Therefore, they urge the Arrecife City Council to reconsider these projects and to debate a city model more focused on people and sustainability.
