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29 March 2024

No cash, card for refueling at Enoc, Eppco

Published
By Staff

Emirates National Oil Company (Enoc) has activated a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)/Vehicle Identification (VID) based fuel retailing system at service stations of Enoc and Emirates Petroleum Product Company (Eppco) to provide a fully integrated refueling service to customers.

Initially, the service will be available only for commercial users and fleet owners, and will effectively support the fuel self-service facility that has already been implemented across 25 Eppco service stations, from midnight to 6am.  

The RFID-based modernised system uses radio-frequency to transfer data from each registered vehicle. It allows users to refuel according to the permitted amount and fuel type allocated for the vehicle, which will further enhance the efficiency of fleet owners in managing their fuel-related book-keeping operations.

Enoc’s new ground-breaking system, called ViP (Vehicle Identification Pass) automatically recognises the registered vehicle being fuelled up, and deducts/charges the cost from / to the registered user’s account without the help of a service attendant. 

It will be managed remotely through a secured database at Enoc linked to all the service stations, which provides real time updates to customers on their refueling operations. The automation solution is planned to extend to all purchases from Enoc/Eppco service stations, including Carwash, AutoPro Services, and C-Store purchases.

“We are focused on continuously adopting the latest technologies to further enhance customer service standards and add to operational efficiency,” said Saeed Khoory, CEO of Enoc. “The automation drive that is being implemented across our network will streamline the fundamental aspects of purchasing fuel, making it a safer and more convenient experience for our commercial customers and fleet owners. With our new electronic services for refueling implemented across Enoc/Eppco service stations, customers now have the convenient option of ‘self-serve, fill and go.’”

Corporate clients and commercial customers will be provided with secured electronic chip which will be installed on the top of the fuel tank gasket of their vehicles when they register for the service. After the chip has been installed and activated, customers only have to visit the RFID service stations to fill their vehicles with fuel. The RFID system will simultaneously log in the details of the purchase at a secured database at Enoc.

The payments will be credited to the customer’s account, with account updates delivered in real time. This new service ensures that vehicle users can fill fuel on-the-go without the need to pay in cash or use credit cards.

The new system will make managing the fuel accounts of corporate clients easier and more streamlined. Apart from reducing processing time, it will enable the clients to track all the details of each refueling transaction that has been made, thus enhancing operational efficiency. The system will be implemented at all service stations, including the 25 Eppco outlets that offer self-service facility. This year, Enoc’s new system, “ViP” will replace Select Cards, the current refueling cards.

Developed and backed by a highly experienced RFID/VID international vendor, the system is installed and supported via a local partnership with AST Telecom, an enterprise supported by the Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for SME Development, underlining the company’s commitment to support the development of entrepreneurialism among UAE nationals.

“The contribution of AST Telecom, a small and medium enterprise, on this important initiative by Enoc highlights the strong competencies of Dubai-based SMEs in undertaking large-scale projects,” said Abdulbasit Al Janahi, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai SME. “It also underlines Dubai’s focus on promoting public-private partnerships, and offering opportunities for growth for SMEs.”

“Our partnership is a strong testament to the support extended by Enoc to SMEs and a model on how a large entity can create real opportunities for growth,” said Ali Sulaiman Al-Taher, CEO of AST Telecom. “Such industry partnerships will further spearhead the development of SMEs in Dubai and the wider GCC region,” he added.

Enoc is at the forefront of several industry-leading initiatives to enhance operational efficiencies and promote sustainable development.

Eppco has also introduced advanced and fully-secure fuel dispenser systems at sites where the self-service option has been introduced. With fuel self-service now familiar with a section of the motorists, Eppco is looking to expand the service across other stations too.