Self-serve fuel in Oman or pay an extra rial?

Muscat: One of Oman’s leading fuel suppliers says that drivers should be asked whether they want to pay an extra rial if an attendant pumps fuel into their cars.
In the wake of the decision by Adnoc in the United Arab Emirates to introduce a self-service option or a fee of AED10 to have a pump attendant refuel customer vehicles, senior management at Al Maha Oil Company feel the views of residents should be sought before any decision is taken.
“Plans for the self-service or a small fee at the local petrol stations are already in the works,” said Mahmoud Al Auwfi, the head of the CEO office of Al Maha Oil Company.
Al Auwfi added that the idea is good but no one knows how the customers will accept it. “Before introducing such a plan, a questionnaire should be conducted to know how people will react to the new move,” he added.
Yashjub Al Busaidi, an Omani working in the United Arab Emirates said: I would support such a decision but the authorities have to take into account the different cultures that we have, the lives of the people in the city is different from the lives and attitudes to the people in the rural areas. If implemented though I do believe that it will catch on easily and fast because we are not a lazy society.”
The move could also mean greater safety at the pumps. Currently, those who choose to remain in their cars and let an attendant pump the fuel do not always switch off the car engine.
Where they to exit the vehicle and actually pump their own fuel, they would be more likely to cut the engine.
Guidelines that drivers are asked to follow while refuelling includes, switching off the engine, unbuckling the seatbelt, and not using any mobile phones.
However, as temperatures increase many drivers who don’t switch off their vehicles find the idea of leaving their cars difficult.
“Some customers will be reluctant to step out and try the new self-service,” Al Auwfi added.
Extra to refuel
“I don’t like the idea at all, it’s enough that petrol prices are up, and now I have to pay OMR1 extra to refuel. It’s really hot nowadays so no one will be bothered to get down, it’s not just that, not many women will be okay with the idea of standing out by the car and refuelling,” said Areej Al Balushi.
Many expats from Europe are already used to the idea of self-service. Natalie, a British expat residing in Muscat, believes that it depends on the type of vehicle you have.
Bigger cars
“I personally would not want to pay an extra rial for example. I have a small car and my transaction only takes a minute. Filling up a 4x4 takes more time and effort. For bigger cars such as commercial vehicles, maybe it would work.”
Another expat added: “Seeing attendants at pumps is actually strange to the eye of a British person, as they just don’t have that in the UK. The thought of allowing someone to fill your car for you is also very tempting for expats who struggle in the summer heat, and lots of them keep the engine running so that they can keep the cool air going in the car. That’s not something they would even dream of doing in the United Kingdom.”
Al Auwfi added that places for both options should be available “at each fuel station with a pump attendant to collect the money after filling.”