Imbert: Instructions to NP stations only

Referring to statements he made on this issue on Thursday, Imbert said this instruction has been issued to gas stations owned and operated by NP only.

He added that this instruction did not apply to dealer-operated stations. Imbert said during the briefing, he explained there are several types of gas stations in the country.

These include stations owned and operated by NP and stations owned by NP and operated by dealers. He explained that having issued instructions to all gas stations owned and operated by NP to accept credit and debit cards, the Government is now in the process of examining the terms and conditions of licences granted to dealers who operate the other type of stations (NP owned but dealer operated) to see whether they are entitled to refuse to accept credit cards and debit cards.

Imbert said if it is determined that the dealers are in breach of their liecense and/ or their contractual arrangements with the Government, appropriate action will be taken. Against this background, Imbert saud it is wrong to claim the petroleum dealers are defying him because the dealer received no instructions from him to continue accepting credit and debit card payments for fuel.

He explained that the steps taken on Thursday, ensures all gas stations under the full control of NP, continue to accept credit and debit cards.

Imbert indicated the total number of these gas stations in the country is over 50. Following Imbert’s announcement on Thursday, NP issued a list of all its gas stations which will continue to accept credit and debit card payments for fuel.

Unipet chairman Dr Afraz Ali said the company will continue to accept credit and debit card payments for fuel at its stations. Petroleum Dealers Association (PDA) president Robin Narayansingh said while he was encouraged by the things Imbert said on Thursday, there would be some gas stations which would only take cash payments