Adnoc Introduces Smart Cards to Regulate Diesel Sale

The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company is introducing smart cards in a bid to regulate the sale of diesel and check illegal trade in the fuel, according to Emirates Business.

The news source reported that bogus transport companies are making substantial profits by purchasing subsidized fuel and reselling it at higher prices.

Diesel reportedly costs AED8.60 per gallon at Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) outlets in Abu Dhabi and the northern emirates, compared to AED19.25 per gallon of diesel in Dubai. Diesel is even cheaper in Oman, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, with prices at AED6 per gallon.

The smart cards are expected to help Adnoc control diesel sales to transport firms. Adnoc Distribution, which operates in excess of 150 outlets across the UAE, has noted that 60 outlets in the northern emirates have introduced a rationing system to check the illegal trade in diesel.