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Abu Dhabi: Motorists in Abu Dhabi now have the option of using "self-service terminals" to fill petrol in their cars - the first of its kind in the country.
Some petrol stations run by the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) have introduced self-service fuel filling terminals called Outdoor Payment Terminals (OPTs), Gulf News has learnt.
"The self-service terminals (OPTs ) installed on a trial basis accept only prepaid e-cash cards issued by the company," said sources. "The company has already installed OPTs on a trial basis at about 14 filling stations in Abu Dhabi," the source added.
Customers have been using the self-service terminals through a prepaid multi purpose card called "Rahal" which can be used for car wash, oil change, purchase of cooking gas (LPG) and shopping at Oasis supermarkets at fuel stations, said an official at an Adnoc filling station.
Many customers say that it is convenient as they do not have to wait for the attendant and for the small change but many others also think it would be a difficult option for motorists especially during the summer.
A petrol station staff told Gulf News that the sales attendants on duty help the new customers who try the "self-service terminal".
Ahmad Al Za'abi, an Emirati businessman, said it was a welcome step. "Anybody can easily use it". A.A., another Emirati businessman, said the key advantage is that station attendants will not be exposed to petrol fumes which affect their health.
"Also, the prepaid cards will help my monthly budgeting," he said.
Another Emirati said personally he will use it, but converting all filling points to self-service terminals will not be a good move. "Our women drivers may not find it good to come out of the car to fill fuel," said Ali Khalifa Al Wali, Air Traffic Controller at Abu Dhabi Airport. "Physically challenged people also cannot use it easily".
James Joseph, an Indian expatriate, said: "I doubt whether fuel stations can keep the premises clean and customers' clothes may get dirty while filling petrol".
Scheme: No plans in Dubai
Filling stations in Dubai have no plans to introduce self-service facilities on the city's forecourts.
Emirates National Oil Company (Enoc), Eppco and Emarat will not be installing Outdoor Payment Terminals (OPTs) in the near future.
Khalid Hadi, Group Brand and Marketing Manager of Enoc, said: "At this stage we have no plans to introduce self-service terminals but it is something we could look into. There is a possibility it may be introduced at a later date but I am certainly not aware of any such scheme at the moment."
Elvin Abude, Site-in-Charge at the Eppco station on Al Wasl Road, said: "It [self-service] sounds like a good idea because everything would be regularised and the customer would benefit. But there are currently no plans to implement such terminals."
Kham Magar, Supervisor at Emarat's Al Safa Park branch, thinks most customers enjoy the service already offered to them.
He said: "I have not heard anything about the self-service plans at Adnoc in Abu Dhabi. It is not something we are planning to introduce at Emarat. I think most customers prefer somebody else filling their vehicles up for them anyway."
- Kevin Scott, Staff Reporter
What do you think of this initiative? Do you welcome it? Have you tried the new service? Should this be implemented across all petrol stations?
Your comments
As much as I hate pumping gas, women are perfectly capable of pumping their own gas. In the USA, it is rare to find a full-serve station, except in New Jersey. It is time for people to start pumping their own gas.
Lisa
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 09, 2008, 17:20
In the US, these pre-paid cards are sold at a 5% discount to encourage clients to buy the pre-paid card which is guaranteed money to the business. Lets hope the gas stations adopt this discount scheme as an incentive to the client and benefit to the company itself.
Floyd
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: March 09, 2008, 16:09
Thats a good move, Having lived in UAE over 18 years I guess now they are following the western side as here in UK we have to fill our petrols ourselves.
Qasim
London,United Kingdom
Posted: March 09, 2008, 16:04
Its a very good idea because ADNOC would be saving money on employees , I have lived in the US all my life, this is not a new idea, plus the spoiled people in the UAE will never like this idea of "oh I have fill my own gas".
Farah
abu dhabi,UAE
Posted: March 09, 2008, 15:45
This is a very good idea. I use to travel Abu Dhabi to Duabi daily at 0530 hrs. I am filling my car at one of the ADNOC station on the way. Before I had to wait for the attendent to come and serve but at the cost of time. So I started self service. Now I wait for the attendent only for paying the bill. I save lot of time by adopting this practice. Now this complete self service stations will be a blessing for the early morning travellers. May be some education required in ther begining on the operating system.
Suhail Malik
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: March 09, 2008, 12:41
I was to fill petrol from Adnoc in Al Samha on the way to Abu Dhabi, but only when I reached the terminal had I noticed the sign board that it was a self service terminal. I didn't have a prepaid card and didnt have an option of turning back and going to a normal terminal. I had to drive away to the next station. They should have placed the notice at the entrance or some where before the terminal.
Arun
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 09, 2008, 12:12
This is a bit scary as with everyone leaving cars running and using the mobiles, thus ignoring petrol station warnings about the use of mobiles it questions whether people are even near responsible to use self service terminals. I just hope that someone is there to supervise the proper safety standards of using them. I am not saying it is a bad thing just that it takes sensibility and responsibility.
Neaimi
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: March 09, 2008, 12:01
It's certainly a good value, but what good is an OPT if you can't pay. I think it should be accepting cards (visa, elecron), as well as ADNOC should be issuing and charging "Rahal Card" from it's oasis centers (24*7) or at least in the afternoons till 9:00 or something, not only from their headoffice between 8:00 AM at 2:00 PM.
Mahmoud
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: March 09, 2008, 11:43
Thumbs up for an excellent move by ADNOC, however, to make it more viable, ADNOC should allow credit card holders to use this facility, as that way we will have more customers on such self servicing booths.
Mustafa
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: March 09, 2008, 11:37
It is indeed a good idea. Refilling would be faster, although at first it will not be comfortable but in the long run people will get used to it.
Jeffrey
AUH,
Posted: March 09, 2008, 09:57
The concept is very good and it may help the customer but it could be dangerous because people are not fully trained and leakage of petrol could happen. The machine could be damaged if it is not properly handled and petrol is not some thing like water that if its leaked nothing will happen except floor gets wet. Also, in my opinion nowadays oil industry is the only industry which can bare some extra employees by this technology many people who are bread earners in their family can lose their jobs. The prepaid card system is a good option through which you can save the time and no hassle for change.
Farhan
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: March 09, 2008, 09:56
I must admit, it's a terrific idea but I don't recommend it to be implemented across the country. As an Emarati woman, I wouldn't like the idea of getting out of my car and filling my tank in public. I'm sure many female drivers used to the services provided by station personnel feel the same.
Najah
Dubai,United Arab Emirates
Posted: March 09, 2008, 09:22
Why is this being announced like it's a major innovation? Most of the developed world has had self-service filling stations for 30+ years. The prepaid cards are a clever trick by ADNOC to get your money in advance - the machines should accept credit cards as well if they are to be really useful to customers.
Rodger
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 09, 2008, 09:05
As per my opinion they should keep both type of Petrol Stations, one self service and one with attendants so whoever thinks it is easy to fill by self other than attendant will go to the Self-service Petrol Station and vice versa. It will be easy for "Physically challenged people also as they cannot use it easily".
Surekha shetty
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: March 09, 2008, 08:56
People in UAE are used to getting the groceries from the shop by honking and getting the grocer to come to their car.
Don't know if this will be acceptable by people in the UAE. It might work for taxi drivers or heavy duty drivers.
Habeeb
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: March 09, 2008, 08:54
I wonder if this will increase or decrease the number of people who leave their engines running, use mobile phones or smoke while they are filling their cars up with fuel. I suppose basic filling safety is pretty low on your list.
Alan
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: March 09, 2008, 08:47
In Europe 99.9% of petrol stations are self service without any problem or dificulties. Just a matter of education
Paul
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 09, 2008, 08:40
The move may not work for UAE, as the attitude and life style of UAE residents is different from the US where the stations are self service. It would be difficult for women and medically unfit people, specially those who have breathing problems. However, I would encourage the innovation.
Asim
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: March 09, 2008, 08:33
This is really a good idea and is already in practice in Europe. It is faster and more economical to gasoline station because they dont have to hire any more gasoline boys.
peter
Dubai,
Posted: March 09, 2008, 08:31
Being served by attendants at petrol stations is a great service and in appreciation I usually give a tip.
I would not want to serve my own petrol, particularly in the hot weather.
Anita
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: March 09, 2008, 08:19
Its an excellent idea and I just tried it only last evening. Its very simple to use and am looking to have the same introduced in Dubai.
Amith
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 09, 2008, 08:11
Really it is a very nice thing, no wastage of time also
nadeem
abudhabi,uae
Posted: March 09, 2008, 07:48
This new initiative is a good step forward for the public.
Mohamed
Kuala lumpur,malaysia
Posted: March 09, 2008, 07:25
Good for night service when no attendant is there!
MOHAMMAD
dubai,uae
Posted: March 09, 2008, 07:16
Dubai was my second home for 18 years. Now I live in Australia and we use self service system here and its great. Only difference is we can use any credit card which is very convenient instead of prepaid cards. Otherwise you end up carrying many cards for different petrol companies. this is convenient, quick and also gives you opportunity to get out of your car and stretch your legs.
Jerald
Adelaide,Australia
Posted: March 09, 2008, 04:51
Well, it seems interesting. In europe and all we use the self service system and it was a great success. But here in UAE some people just waste the time,so i doubt it may cause some difficulties for the others in que.One more request to the Adnoc,strictly instruct the adnoc staff to follow the self service procedure because sometimes some adnoc staff will serve some people and if the other asks for the assistance,the staff will say i dont have time.So in order to prevent that please train your staff to help the customers but there should be a criteria that the customer himself should fill the petrol with the assistance of a Adnoc staff.It might really appreciated if you consider this matter seriously.
NIRAZ
ABUDHABI,UAE
Posted: March 09, 2008, 02:44
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