Free trial of premium service at Adnoc stations ahead of self-pumping plans

New branding is being erected at certain stations and the service will start in the coming weeks

Adnoc has increasingly looked to expand the outreach for its base oil product. Victor Besa / The National

Motorists who elect not to pump their own petrol will be able to try out Adnoc’s premium service for free at selected service stations in the coming weeks.

This month, Adnoc Distribution announced plans for stations to have self-service and premium lanes, whereby drivers would pay a small fee to have an attendant to fill up their cars.

New branding to guide customers is being erected ahead of the move to charge motorists who want an attendant to fill up their tank or else fill up themselves for free.

“During [the] trial period we will be inviting customers to come in and try the options to see which choice best suits their needs,” an Adnoc spokesperson said.

“During the trial we will not be charging customers for the premium service and the self-serve option is free, as it always will be.”

No decision has been taken on how much this premium service will cost or if anything else is included but people with special needs and the elderly are exempt.

It is believed the new system will come into force in the next few weeks at about 40 stations before being rolled out across the network. Staff are already trained in the new system. There will be designated channels and attendants for those wishing to use the self-serve option or premium service.

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Read more: 

Pay to pump? Poll finds 80 per cent would prefer to fill their own tank

Self-service in petrol stations will soon become the norm

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If you wish to pump your gas, then first you must place the palm of your hand on a spot on the pump to remove static. Then you fill the tank and can pay. Otherwise, people can opt for the paid premium service.

The new service is called Adnoc Flex and was announced on April 3. It will grow to include "MyStation", where customers can have fuel or LPG cylinders delivered to their home by a mobile fuel truck.

An online poll conducted by The National found that about 80 per cent would rather pump their own petrol rather than pay for someone else to do it despite the fast approaching summer.

"Adnoc flex is all about choice," John Carey, Adnoc Distribution deputy chief executive, said.

"As consumers we all have dozens of choices in our daily lives – for example whether to valet park our car or not – so we believe customers will come to appreciate the various options we’re providing.”