By Minderjeet Kaur

KUALA LUMPUR: Don't be surprised if some petrol stations do not accept payment by credit cards any more.

The Petroleum Dealers Association has sent notices to its 3,500 members nationwide, advising them to accept only cash from motorists who fill up their tanks from today.

Association president Abdul Wahid Bidin said following the increase in fuel prices, petrol station operators could no longer be burdened by the charges imposed on them by credit card companies.

"It is a business decision. After the fuel price hike, petrol station operators have to cut costs."

He said some of the stations had stopped accepting credit cards since yesterday.

However, as stated in the association's notices, each petrol station operator would have the final say on whether or not to accept credit cards.

"While our members have agreed not to accept credit cards, there might be some who will accept them. But we hope all members will co-operate with us."

On the proposal for a two-tier pricing of fuel, one for local vehicles and another for foreign-registered vehicles, Abdul Wahid said strict enforcement would be needed to make sure that foreigners adhered to the ruling.

"A vehicle's number plate can be changed. They might do so with vehicles at the Thai border."

However, he said having separate pumps would boost sales at petrol stations.

He said he hoped the government would implement the policy as soon as possible.

On Sunday, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak had said that a two-tier pricing system, for foreign and local vehicles, would be fairer and save the government money.

Abdul Wahid said the association appreciated the government's move to allow petrol stations to operate only from 6am to 11pm, instead of the present 24 hours a day.

"It is a cost-effective move because we do not have many sales outside these hours." -NST