Is ADNOC Changing the Face of Self Service Fuelling in the UAE?

In a move that’s sparked excitement across the nation, UAE state owned oil company ADNOC has just rolled out its first phase of self-refuelling petrol stations, with four separate locations set to trial the new concept.  

Set to debut on October 1, the new stations will make refuelling faster and smarter. Using ADNOC ‘smartcards’ motorists will be able to fill up, swipe and drive away. Payment with credit cards and debit cards will also be available for those who don’t want to make the switch to an ADNOC card. The pilot phase covers all four of Al Mushrif’s service stations, including Shaikh Zayed, Khalifa University and Al Khaleej.

“The new stations allow people to refuel vehicles in a fast and easy way. There are many options for people to use the service through smart tag, ADNOC plus cards, through Emirates ID or by paying cash at the service stations,” explains Abdullah Salem Al Daheri, CEO of ADNOC Distribution.

An emirates wide refuelling revolution?

ANDOC has confirmed that it will be actively monitoring the pilot phase, and will decide whether or not to expand the service based on the results. It’s all part of the Arabian Peninsula nation’s plans to pioneer ‘smart cities’ and keep it at the forefront of the global technology stage. It will also help the nation meet its growing demand for petroleum, and keep up with Abu Dhabi’s rapidly expanding urban development.

“In accordance with the Abu Dhabi Vision 2030 guidelines, Adnoc Distribution is committed to supporting the UAE leadership in achieving smart government and smart cities through implementing the service,” says Abdullah Salem Al Daheri.

A handful of top ADNOC and government officials were on hand to open the UAE’s first self-refuelling service station, including ADNOC’s new chief executive officer Dr Sultan Ahmad Al Jaber, as well as UAE Energy Minister Suhail Al Mazroui.

From pipelines to petrol stations

While filling up fuel tanks may soon become a DIY process, there’s still a huge amount of research being channelled into oil flow assurance issues. For more insight into the challenges faced by the sector, ‘Oil flow assurance issues: tetraacids in deposits and crude oils’ is a fascinating read. It looks at the issue of calcium naphthenate deposition, and the formation of hard deposits on topside equipment. This can lead to costly production losses, which means it’s critical for sites to stay on top of the problem.

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