More Canadian Stations Considering Prepay

"Gas-and-dash" prompts discussions on mandating prepay at the pump in Prince Edward Island.

March 20, 2012

CHARLOTTETOWN, PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND - While ubiquitous in the United States, neighborly Prince Edward Island is only now just considering implementing prepay at the pump, the CBC reports.

The move, sparked by an increase in gasoline theft, has the PEI Gasoline Retailers Association (PEIGRA) debating the issue, which would mean customers would be required to use a credit or debit card outside by the fuel dispenser or go inside to pay the attendant prior to filling up.

Station owner Jamie Fox said the change is needed, as fuel theft is becoming a growing concern. "It's done in other jurisdictions across this country??It's done in the States. I think it's a good idea," he said. "It is a big hit to the retailer. You're talking about making 4.5 cents per liter (17.2 U.S. cents per gallon) ?" very low margins on fuel. If you lose $100 worth of fuel, then you've got to pump 2,200 liters to get that back."

In the meantime, to deter crime, Fox uses surveillance cameras at his stations and posts video and photos of suspects online.

PEIGRA said in order for the policy to work, all stations would have to make it mandatory.

Kevin McCann, who works for a Nova Scotia company that owns eight stations and services 22 others in P.E.I., said he??s been through this debate before and is skeptical at the outcome. "My experience has been that you will not get full consensus. So if you don't get full consensus, nothing will happen," he said.

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