Recently some petrol stations in Dubai have been trying out self-service petrol pumps. Today I happened to stop at one such petrol station for a fill-up.
It was not a new experience for me as I have been using self-service pumps when I was in the US, so it went pretty smooth.
The only thing that I didn’t like was that the fuel cost the same as full-service petrol stations.
So what’s the point? If the petrol station is saving the cost of labor to fill-up the fuel tank then some of those savings should be extended to the customer, and if I have to get out of the car in Dubai heat to fill-up my car myself, then it’s only worth it when I am saving a few bucks.
I know it’s a trial period and all but this will only work when customers will see some money being saved by going to self-service stations. Otherwise they will conveniently drive to a full-service and get a fill-up without leaving the comfort of their car.
As compared to other maintenance and functional expenses of a gas station, labour costs are very low, almost round the world. Self-Service fuel stations were probably introduced to offer 24 X 7 avaialibility, free of labour worries and a process automation. I would personally prefer a full service station ‘coz I see no point in filling the fuel myself. Why shall I leave the comfort of my car when there’s no need…
Faizuddin » I agree with you, however, in countries like US, the minimum wages are around $6 per hour (depending on state) so the savings are substantial. However, in UAE, things are not so regulated.