When will gas stations stop accepting card payments?

The National Association of Gasoline Retailers (Anadegas) announced that it will disconnect the vehicle identification service on September 25 at its 780 affiliated stations, as part of its protest against costs that it claims represent an excessive burden for fuel station owners.

The president of Anadegas, Juan Elías Pérez, stated that it is impossible for retailers to hand over 27% of their gross profits for the use of electronic payment services.

Pérez explained that the decision was agreed upon by the organization’s regional branches and that both national and regional directors will remain in meetings until the day of the national shutdown.

The business leader acknowledged the efforts of the Minister of Industry, Commerce and SMEs and the Executive Director of Pro Consumidor to seek a solution to the conflict, but considered that their efforts have not been sufficiently respected by the parties involved.

The president of Anadegas also highlighted that the National Federation of Merchants and its president have publicly expressed their unwavering support for the fuel retailers’ demands.

He noted that business leader Iván García was present at the last meeting where the decision to disconnect the Verifón was made.

“Out of 34 countries, we are the ones who pay the most for the use of Verifón, and we will not accept that from anyone,” said Juan Elías Pérez.

The business leader also called on other commercial sectors to pay attention to the problem, particularly hardware stores, auto parts stores, appliance stores, and small supermarkets, as they face a similar situation with electronic payment systems.

“Everyone has an abusive Verifón card that keeps the money earned through hard work,” Pérez said.

The president of the gas station owners’ association reported that, throughout this week, the organization will carry out a mobilization process and hold meetings at its regional branches to keep station owners informed and coordinate the actions planned for September 25.

He assured that support for the decision is strong across the 780 stations that make up the organization.

“We are prepared and united. Support for the disconnection is massive across our 780 stations,” stated the president of Anadegas.

The entity reiterated that it remains open to dialogue, but maintained that it hopes for a solution that establishes conditions it considers fair for fuel retailers, given the costs associated with using electronic payment systems.