Algeria plans to issue electronic card for fuel consumption

Naftal’s CEO Hassan Rizou said the company marketed 16.3 million tons of fuel in 2014 and expects to market 16.5 million tons during 2015. Gas stations will be equipped with digital technology services ahead of using an electric card instead of receipts

“The electronic card will spare receipt printing costs and keep watch on cheatings. Public enterprises will benefit from it first then it will be generalized to people,” he told Echorouk.

“The card will include personal information. Those who exceed reasonable consumption of fuel will be watched by authorities. This will enable to fight smuggling in border provinces and reduce fuel wasting,” he added.

Asked about any possible raise in fuel price, he said no instruction was issued in this regard.

A plan to put an upper limit to fuel consumption in border provinces

Speaking about the government’s expenses optimization policy, Rizou said Naftal should adapt to Algeria’s economic situation. “Our optimization will be by giving priority to investment projects and reducing expenses.”

80 service stations in cities

Naftal’s CEO said the East-West Motorway will include 42 service stations. Of them, 27 will be delivered by the end 2015.

“We have a project to modernize 700 service stations in the country. They will be provided with high tech devices,” he added.

Naftal plans to establish 80 distribution stations in big cities in conformity with international criteria. This is meant to have control over large demand for fuel and provide diversified services.

“As for funding, we plan to have partnership with Algerian operators. Investments will create new jobs,” he added.

He also said the State allocated around 200 billion DZ to develop the enterprise through important projects in 2015-2019. Storing capacity in service stations will be raised to 30 days from 12 days.

Naftal also plans to conduct a project to transport 70 percent of oil products by pipelines instead of lorries and railways. Another project is planned to modernize fuel storing centers to ensure the safety of facilities.