Motorists Can Now Pay for Fuel by Credit Card

Motorists will from Friday 17 July 2009 onwards conveniently be able to pay with their credit cards for petrol after filling up.  Previously it was not allowed in South Africa because of the high costs involved, however, in May, the Department of Energy said that new regulations would be introduced to make it easier for visitors during the 2010 World Cup to pay for fuel. Many countries overseas allow for the payment of fuel by credit card.  The department also felt it would be safer for customers and employees to reduce cash payments.  Departmental spokeperson Bheki Khumalo explained that debit, credit, cheque, garage, fleet or petrol cards could now be used to effect payment, whether issued by a three or four party scheme.   This came into effecton Friday 10 July 2009 when Energy Minister Dipuo Peters published regulations regarding the use of payment in the form of a payment card,” said Mr Khumalo.  Minister Peters urged garage owners who are unable to accommodate the use of credit cards to prominently display a notice to that effect.  Not all garages will immediately be able to accept every form of payment because of logistical issues.  BuaNews