In response to complaints made by motorists using credit cards when paying for their petrol, Adnoc has announced its move to adopt wireless credit card machines in petrol stations across the capital from September 1, which will be brought to the motorist for payment.

Currently, motorists who wish to pay for petrol using credit or debit card, must either give petrol station attendants their PIN number or exit their vehicles and enter the four-digit code themselves. This has been described as bothersome by many who feel that adopting portable credit card machines is the easiest solution to the problem.

Despite credit card use making up only five per cent of all payment methods, Adnoc officials have agreed that having to exit vehicle to enter a simple code can be a bother.

"We agree that PIN numbers must be entered by card holder themselves in order to maintain one's privacy and security. The wireless devices have been ordered and will be ready to use in the beginning of September,” an Adnoc spokesperson told Gulf News.

In fact, most residents interviewed complained of feeling unsafe when attendants ask for their PIN numbers.

"Honestly, I don't give out my PIN and end up having to step out of my comfort zone into an area full of male drivers and enter the code myself,” said Noor S., a media executive in the capital.

Ayman H., a mechanical engineer said: "If you do give out your PIN number to the attendant, you are requested to park on the side where other vehicles are passing by while the transaction is being made. This delays both drivers and traffic and is very inconvenient.”

N. Kumar revealed that his bank called him after witnessing suspicious behaviour being made using his card. "I have been asked for my PIN and used to give it to attendants thinking that they are doing the transaction in front of me. I also relied on the SMS I received from my bank confirming the payment and the receipt, so I started to use my card often,” he said.

"But after a few weeks, my bank informed me that my card was blocked for security reasons and that I would receive a new one. Since then I began paying by cash or entering the PIN number myself,” he added.

The Rahal prepaid card can be used to pay for petrol, snacks at Oasis shops or to wash vehicles across Adnoc petrol stations.

Around 30 per cent of payment transactions are made using Rahal cards. These do not require PIN numbers or any additional information, ADNOC officials said. Cards can be bought from the petrol stations themselves or from Adnoc offices.
Source: Gulf News