BP invests in new way to pay for fuel

BP in South Africa is investing millions of rands in a high-tech, convenient way to reduce cash on forecourts through the national launch of its portable payment terminal called Swipa.

Any debit card can now be used at BP forecourts for fuel purchases and for the first time motorists do not need to get out of their car, nor will their card leave their sight, making it super safe and convenient. BP – voted SA’s top petroleum brand for the seventh year in a row – is to offer Swipa at over 450 of its BP service stations nationally.Sipho Maseko, BP’s Chief Operating Officer says BP is investing around R20 million in infrastructure and operational cost to support the rollout of its portable payment terminals at its service station network.”Because of the regulated fuel price in SA, debit card transactions on forecourts have been an issue in the past because of the merchant fee typical to these transactions.”However, BP, recognising that crime continues to be a major concern on forecourts, has elected to absorb the associated costs for now with a view to reduce the risks associated with handling cash on site.”In the past, SA motorists have had to pay for fuel by cash, garage or fleet cards, but now, they can purchase fuel with any debit card without having to transact at a till point or draw money from an ATM.Benefits include reduced forecourt congestion and fraud possibilities as the card is not taken away to be swiped at a central point, but this is done right at the pump in one’s car.BP – voted SA’s top petroleum brand for the seventh year in a row – is to offer Swipa at over 450 of its BP service stations nationally.Sipho Maseko, BP’s Chief Operating Officer says BP is investing around R20 million in infrastructure and operational cost to support the rollout of its portable payment terminals at its service station network.”Because of the regulated fuel price in SA, debit card transactions on forecourts have been an issue in the past because of the merchant fee typical to these transactions.”However, BP, recognising that crime continues to be a major concern on forecourts, has elected to absorb the associated costs for now with a view to reduce the risks associated with handling cash on site.”In the past, SA motorists have had to pay for fuel by cash, garage or fleet cards, but now, they can purchase fuel with any debit card without having to transact at a till point or draw money from an ATM.Benefits include reduced forecourt congestion and fraud possibilities as the card is not taken away to be swiped at a central point, but this is done right at the pump in one’s car.

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