Adnoc won't charge Dh10 fee for attendants to fill your tank

Abu Dhabi - Starting Sunday, November 3.

All motorists will get free assisted fueling at Adnoc stations with effect from Sunday - November 3. The Dh10 fee for having your car fueled by pump attendants 'premium service' will no longer be applicable, authorities have announced.
According to Adnoc, the decision to waive the Dh10 fee and instead offer "free assisted fueling" for all motorists has been taken after feedback from their customers.
Adnoc had in June last year implemented the premium service-where motorists had to pay an extra Dh10 if a pump attendant filled fuel in their car. Those who chose to fill fuel themselves using the self-service option didn't have to pay this additional charge.
Motorists using the premium service option also had their car windshields cleaned by the attendants and also checked their tire pressure. The elderly and people of determination were exempted from the premium service charge.
In a statement issued on Thursday, ADNOC Distribution's acting CEO Saeed Mubarak Al Rashdi, while announcing third quarter results, said: "Our recent marketing campaign offering free assisted fueling has proven to be a success, both in terms of generating an increase in retail fuel volumes in the third quarter of 2019 for the first time since our IPO, and in better understanding our customers' requirements.
"This, in conjunction with feedback from extensive customer engagement, has resulted in the decision of the Board of Directors to approve offering free assisted fueling to all our customers, which we will implement beginning this Sunday, November 3."
Al Rashidi added: "We trust this will be very well received by our customers as well as our investors as it will facilitate and strengthen our ambitious network expansion and volume growth targets. As a result of cost reductions and other initiatives, we do not expect this to have an impact on our profitability or dividend policy."
ADNOC Distribution had engaged with nearly 14,000 customers through focus groups and surveys.
"We remain dedicated to fulfilling the promises we have made to our shareholders and the local communities we proudly serve every day."
The company will launch a new loyalty programme - ADNOC Rewards - before the end of the year to further enhance customer experience.
"The free assisted fueling for all motorists is a good move," said Mohammed Salim, an Egyptian motorist in Abu Dhabi.
"I have been reluctant to use the self-service option so I have been paying the Dh10 to have my car fueled by the pump attendants. The new decision will help me save on fuel."
Another motorist, John Kenneth, a Filipino expat said getting out of the car to fuel his car at the stations has been an inconvenience for him especially during the warmer months.
"Also, there have been long queues at the self-service pumps. But with the removal of the Dh10 fee, we shall have our car fueled by the attendants at any pump for free."
ismail@khaleejtimes.com