Opinions | Letters
March 11, 2008
Letters To The Editor - March 11, 2008
- Gulf News
- Published: 00:41 March 11, 2008
Not too keen
I must admit, it's a terrific idea but I don't recommend self-service petrol pumps to be implemented across the UAE ("Self-service pumps fuel controversy in Abu Dhabi", Gulf News, March 10).
As an Emirati woman, I wouldn't like the idea of getting out of my car and filling my tank in public.
I'm sure many female drivers would agree, especially those who are used to the services provided by station personnel.
From Ms Najah
Dubai
Full name withheld by request
Special needs
Both types of petrol stations should be retained - one that caters to people opting for self-service and the other that has attendants providing the service.
In this manner, an individual is free to choose whatever kind of service he or she would like.
We must also consider people with special needs who would find it easier if station personnel were to refill petrol in their cars.
Retaining the existing ones would be a great help for this category.
From Ms Surekha Shetty
Abu Dhabi
A good option
The UAE was my second home for 18 years, now I live in Australia and we use self-service petrol stations here and it's great.
The only difference is we can use any credit card instead of a prepaid card. This makes the service very convenient as otherwise you end up carrying many cards for different petrol stations.
I welcome the new service as it saves times, is quicker and gives you an opportunity to get out of the car and stretch your legs.
From Mr Jerald Adelaide
Australia
Dangerous
The concept is very good and it may help the customer but it could be dangerous because people are not fully aware and trained and there could be leakage of petrol.
The machine could be damaged if it is not properly handled. Additionally, petrol, unlike water, cannot be easily cleaned.
Thereby if the petrol leaks it is not just the matter of a wet floor. Equally, nowadays, the oil industry is the only industry that can afford to employ some extra employees.
However, with the introduction of self-service petrol stations many people, who are the sole bread earners in their family, would lose jobs.
The prepaid card system is a good option by which one can save time and need not worry about collecting change.
From Mr Farhan
Abu Dhabi
Encouraging
In the US, pre-paid cards for self-service petrol stations are sold at a five per cent discount in order to encourage clients to buy the cards and serve themselves.
This is an additional source of guaranteed money for the business.
Let's hope the UAE gas stations adopt this discount scheme as an incentive to the client and benefit to the company itself.
From Mr Floyd
Abu Dhabi
Full name withheld by request
Long ride
I was to fill petrol from an Adnoc petrol station in the Al Samha area on the way to Abu Dhabi, recently.
However, on reaching the station I noticed a signboard stating that it was a self-service terminal.
I neither had a prepaid card nor the option of turning back and going to another "normal" petrol station.
In the end, I was left with no option but to drive all the way to the opposite side for another terminal.
Ideally, the signboard should have been placed at the entrance or at a location before the terminal.
From Mr Arun
Dubai
Incentives
The petrol station company should pass on the savings to motorists who use the self-service pumps.
For example, in Canada, the price is lower at the self-service petrol stations. These are just a few incentives to encourage such service and make it successful.
From Mr Lee Yow
Dubai
Editor's note:
If you would like to add your voice to the discussion, log on to www.gulfnews.com
Taking advantage
Congratulations to the Ministry of Economy ("Price ceiling to fuel food supply crisis", Gulf News, March 9).
They're just doing their job to protect the consumers against unscrupulous retailers.
Most of the retailers were taking advantage of the situation so as to gain more profit at the expense of the hapless consumers.
From Mr Roberto
Dubai
Equally important
Fixing prices is not the solution. While this is good for consumers, the retailers' margins are getting squeezed from both ends: from the price ceilings and rising costs.
This will obviously lead retailers to discontinue the supply of essential commodities. The ministry should look to provide subsidies to retailers.
They are as much a part of the economy as consumers. The ministry should look for a mutually beneficial solution.
From Mr Anand
Dubai
Full name withheld by request
Control issue
There are many countries where the Market Retail Price (MRP) is made mandatory for all products without affecting the quality or supply of the commodities.
Introducing a standard MRP will help control the unjustified pricing by the retailers.
Retailers' negative response to this decision is obvious and it shows how they are manipulating the market under the cover of global inflation.
From Mr Shabab
Abu Dhabi
Need of the hour
Government stepping in to control soaring prices issues is the need of the hour. The welfare of citizens is partially fixed by compensating them with raises.
Many countries help by paying the differences in general commodities such as food, rentals and fuel.
From Mr Kamran
Dubai
Full name withheld by request
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