Woqod has introduced the 'Woqodi' system of electronic payment at its fuel stations, it was announced. The system is based on an electronic chip, which is delivered to a customer, who registers with the company.

The 'Woqodi' system is being implemented in three phases. The first phase covers owners of 60,000 vehicles already registered with Woqod and who are regularly using the company's fuel stations.

While the second phase covers new companies the third will cover the public. The entire process of issuing the electronic chip would be completed in the current year.

Speaking to journalists, Woqod's IT Department manager Yousef al-Sulaiti said the electronic system of payment for filling fuel would not only help companies and individual customers to ensure proper filling of fuels but would also eliminate the possibility of any fraud being perpetrated by the personnel at fuel stations.

The new electronic system ensures that once the fuelling is over, the customer will be issued an automatic receipt, which includes the location of the fuel station, time, day and quantity of fuel purchased.

The chip is to be installed on the right side of the fuel mouth of a vehicle. Under the new system, once the nozzle of the fuel dispenser touches the mouth of the petrol tank, a green light will automatically flash to ensure that the chip is active will continue to remain on until the nozzle is removed.

To avail of the facility, a customer needs to register with any of the fuel installation facilities of Woqod, including the main station on the Doha - Industrial Area Road in Abu Hamour. On registration, the customer will be intimated on his/her mobile number by the company.

Once registration formalities are completed, recharge tokens will be issued to the customer. However, the denominations of the tokens are still be be decided, said al-Sulaiti while assuring that they would be reasonably priced. It could be something like QR350 for individual customers and QR500 for companies, said Woqod.

Once filling is over, the exact amount will be deducted from the token and the available balance displayed on the customer's registered mobile number.

Already, individuals and companies owning 60,000 vehicles are currently using tokens issued by the company for fuelling their vehicles. They would soon be issued chips and recharge tokens.

Replying to a query, the Woqod official said once the whole process is completed, recharge coupons are to be made available at many establishments across the country. Initially they will be available only at the installations and select fuel stations.

While answering a question the official said their company may introduce a multiple utility token with which payments could also be made for LPG cylinders and other services available at Woqod stations.