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Dubai: From next week motorists will be filling up their cars themselves as Enoc is introducing a self-service system at selected stations in Dubai and the northern emirates.
The pilot project will start at three sites in Dubai and seven in the northern emirates on August 12.
The ten Enoc service stations where the self-service scheme will be introduced include Al Bada'a, opposite Jumeirah Prison, Al Hashimi behind the Sahara Centre, Al Rafia on the Dhaid-Sharjah Road, Al Gharafa on Ajman Main Street and Thouban on the Sharjah-Fujairah highway.
Under the system customers will need to park in front of the pump, switch off the engine, go inside the store and pay the amount they want after mentioning the pump number and desired product. The cashier will then give a receipt for payment and the customer can fill up. The pump will automatically stop when the authorised amount is dispensed.
A company spokesperson said: "We are pleased to be introducing this new initiative to our customers. In the initial stage, we will only introduce the project to ten of our sites."
The self-service concept will allow for payment by cash only. As a safety measure smoking and the use of mobile phones while filling up are strictly forbidden.
In Abu Dhabi, some 14 petrol stations run by the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) have already introduced self-service fuel filling terminals.
The concept generated a mixed reaction among a cross-section of motorists in Dubai. The majority were of the opinion petrol stations should focus on the safety aspect when the concept is implemented next week.
Alisha Fikri, a British national originally from Pakistan, said she had often come across motorists lighting up a cigarette at petrol stations right next to the petrol pump.
"Imagine the disaster that such motorists can bring when they are allowed to put fuel in cars. I did reprimand one of them but was bluntly asked to mind my own business. Self-service is quite good as it will not only save time but make people more responsible. Having said that, I think an awareness campaign of do's and don'ts need to be launched before the concept of self-service is fully implemented."
Ali Abdullah Jasem, an Emirati, thinks the concept will not go down well with Arab women.
"I am an Arab and I am sure women from this part of the region will make a big fuss about the entire thing. The majority would prefer the attendant to fill their fuel tank."
Jasem who has completed his higher education in the UK said a lot of Western countries had a self-service fuel system implemented a long time ago and it was time the UAE stopped pampering those who live here.
Similar views were highlighted by Sukhwinder Pal, an Indian businessman who said: "We are pampered a lot over here. At every petrol station, grocery store and supermarket we have people employed to serve customers. This has made us lazy. I went to Kerala for a vacation last month and was quite surprised to see motorists filling fuel by themselves. It's high time people living here became more active. They need to get out of their cars at petrol stations and fill fuel. I am very happy about the service and looking forward to use it."
Do you welcome this move? Are self-service petrol stations feasible considering the UAE's climate? Would you like to use these pumps? Why? Tell us at letter2editor@gulfnews.com or fill in the form bellow to send your comments.
Your comments
Well, it is a good idea. An educational campaign to be launched to let people learn how the self service system works. People from all walk of life will use this service so must be educated before hand.
Anyway a good idea, even now I fill in my car myself if attendants are busy and they give me a wide smile.
Suhail
Dubai,UAE
Posted: August 07, 2008, 12:13
This initiative is good but proper knowledge should be given like through Newspapers and TV.
At least for one month a guy should be present at petrol pump filling boot and he should closely monitor and guide (if needed) to the novice consumer.
Shariq
Dubai,UAE
Posted: August 07, 2008, 12:09
I don't think its going to save us time, actually the opposite will happen. You have to switch off your car, walk inside the store, buy the amount you wish to fill up your car, go back to your car and then do it by yourself. When you do it by yourself it takes even more time, coz you are not use too. And plus, we are taking off jobs of people who work in petrol station...
Nadya
Dubai,UAE
Posted: August 07, 2008, 11:53
I love it, you ask; "Are self-service petrol stations feasible considering the UAE's climate?"
Seems pretty feasible for the poor guys out there pumping gas right now.
Keith
Dubai,UAE
Posted: August 07, 2008, 11:51
Happy to see this happen in UAE. Stop door to door delivery from grocery shops, restaurants which should rightly be the next step. People should walk to be healthy, do tell you should but make them walk by taking away extra comfort. Move your body after sitting for long hours either in traffic or at home.
Educating users is what UAE lacks from very beginning, in fact we should have started educating quite before we introduce this system. Regulating self-service is very important, surveillance at fuel stations and to be hard on smokers at fuel station is important as well.
Mr. DSouza
Dubai,UAE
Posted: August 07, 2008, 11:43
Its a bad idea as chances of causing accidents will be more. The user might not be able to judge the filling on the vehicle tanks and might over pour the tank. You never the consequences that will happen with this heat as well...
Placido
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: August 07, 2008, 11:42
I still believe that self service for petrol filling will be a flop and customers will go to the next alternative, pumps which they get service. customers will not be happy if they get bad smell and dirt while they go for any meetings
RINESH
Dubai,UAE
Posted: August 07, 2008, 11:30
I lived in Kuwait for 7 years and this system is being implemented without any trouble
M.Paramasivam
Dubai,UAE
Posted: August 07, 2008, 11:27
I have lived in the US and am used to self service but a couple of things dont make sense here. A) Why would I fill gas myself at the same price when I can have someone fill it for me. B) Why do I have to go in and not have a credit card swipe on the machine itself...how does this save time? because there might be 2 cashiers and 8 - 12 people at a time.
Vishal
Dubai,UAE
Posted: August 07, 2008, 11:24
This service is pre-paid. How are we supposed to know how much amount to pay before we fill up our empty tanks? Do we need to install special gadgets in our cars that will tell us exactly how much fuel is required?
M Shakeel
Dubai,UAE
Posted: August 07, 2008, 11:06
The philosphy behind the move is not clear yet.These things are for the countries with shortage of manpower. Has anybody taken care of the safety aspect, when a careless dumb filling by himself. Everybody be careful from a big bang.
Humayun
DUBAI,UAE
Posted: August 07, 2008, 10:50
First, we stop the car's engine, get down, go to the cashier inside... doesn't sound like saving time. And who would want to leave their air conditioned cars and stand in the heat to fill up the gas tank? Doesn't sound very practical for Dubai.
Farah
Dubai,UAE
Posted: August 07, 2008, 10:47
Is it a good thing in this part of the world? What about those guys who were working previously in the pump. Have they lost their jobs? Look at the number of petrol pump attendants who will lose jobs if such a thing is implemented.
With traffic jams adding to the negative attitude it would be chaotic.
My friends and me will never go the ENOC pumps for sure.
Emma
Sydney,Australia
Posted: August 07, 2008, 10:32
A good move but paying to cashier before filling will result in delays and long ques. Instead each pump should be allowed to accept a debit or credit card for filling.
+974 5862931
Dubai,UAE
Posted: August 07, 2008, 10:32
I don't like the new idea. No woman will like it. Thanks God I use EPPCO, they will be still serving us.
Dessi
Dubai,UAE
Posted: August 07, 2008, 10:22
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