Algiers – The National Company for the Marketing and Distribution of Petroleum Products (NAFTAL) has reported an average of 42,000 electronic payment transactions each month across its service stations. The company aims to increase this number by implementing several initiatives, according to a statement from a company official.
In an interview with the Algerian Press Service (APS), Adel Iwalalan, Director of Electronic Payments at NAFTAL, explained that “the number of electronic payment transactions via bank cards and the ‘golden card’ at NAFTAL stations amounts to approximately 42,000 per month.”
This comes as part of an agreement signed between NAFTAL and the Bank of Algeria (BAH) in 2022, which enabled the company to offer electronic payment services at all of its service stations. The agreement also extends to vehicle conversion centers (SIRGAZ), lubrication centers, tire sales outlets, and showrooms.
Iwalalan highlighted the significance of a supplementary agreement signed between NAFTAL and BAH on October 29th. This agreement encourages service station owners under the “NAFTAL” brand (which includes 237 privately operated stations and 1,538 accredited sales points) to adopt electronic payments by providing them with the necessary equipment, provided they hold an account with the Bank of Algeria.
Looking ahead, NAFTAL aims to benefit from real-time electronic payment systems, including QR code-based payments, once they are launched. Iwalalan noted that these innovations will play a crucial role in boosting electronic payment transactions at service stations.
While awaiting the launch of these systems, NAFTAL is also working on several projects to encourage customers to use electronic payments, such as the introduction of a loyalty program. Under this program, customers will earn points for each electronic payment, which can later be redeemed for gifts or services, such as car washes. Iwalalan emphasized that this project is “mature” and nearing implementation.
The official also acknowledged that the current volume of electronic payment transactions remains “modest” in comparison to the large number of electronic payment cards issued in the country, which exceed 17 million cards (both bank and “golden” cards).
Additionally, regarding the pre-paid payment cards (NAFTAL Card) launched in 2017 for corporate clients, Iwalalan reported that, in the first ten months of 2024 alone, over 9 million transactions were recorded for services provided by NAFTAL. The service now has 19,000 customers, with the “NAFTAL Card” successfully replacing fuel vouchers by 95%. Efforts are ongoing to expand the service to other companies and institutions.
To support this transition, NAFTAL has equipped its stations with the necessary technology for the “NAFTAL Card” service, with full implementation at NAFTAL-owned stations and 85% implementation at privately-operated stations. This brings the total number of equipped service stations to 1,980.
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Author: nor-eleslam
Keyphrase: NAFTAL, electronic payment, Algeria, service stations, loyalty program, Bank of Algeria
