Eterna Moves Into the Future: Partners Fuelmetrics to Launch Self-Service Fuel Stations Nationwide

[Olori Uwem]

Eterna Moves Into the Future: Partners Fuelmetrics to Launch Self-Service Fuel Stations Nationwide

The Big Development

Eterna Plc has partnered with Fuelmetrics Limited to roll out self-service fuel terminals across its retail stations.

This marks a major step in Eterna’s push to digitize fuel retail operations and modernize customer experience in Nigeria’s downstream sector.

What the Self-Service Terminals Offer

The new system allows motorists to:
• Authorize fuel purchases using cards
• ️ Pay with digital vouchers
• Enjoy greater payment transparency
• Reduce waiting time at stations
• Minimize cash handling

The goal: a faster, cleaner, more seamless fueling experience.

Solving Long-Standing Industry Problems

The partnership directly addresses key operational challenges in the downstream sector:
• Queue management issues
• Payment transparency concerns
• Human errors in transactions
• Cash leakages

For corporate fleet operators, the system provides:
• Real-time transaction tracking
• Automated reporting
• Better control over fuel expenses

This introduces a data-driven approach to fuel management.

️ What Management Is Saying

Fuelmetrics Perspective

The Managing Director of Fuelmetrics described the collaboration as:
• A shared commitment to leveraging technology
• A way to scale Nigerian home-grown innovation
• A transformation step for the downstream sector

This suggests broader ambitions beyond just Eterna’s network.

Eterna’s Strategy

Eterna’s CEO stated that the rollout:
• Reinforces its digitization agenda
• Enhances customer experience
• Improves operational efficiency
• Aligns with evolving consumer expectations

This positions Eterna as a forward-looking energy company rather than a traditional fuel retailer.

Strategic Implications for Investors

Digital Transformation in Downstream Oil

The Nigerian fuel retail space is gradually shifting toward:
• Automation
• Digital payments
• Data-driven supply management

This could improve:
• Operational efficiency
• Margin visibility
• Cost control

Reduced Revenue Leakage

Automation reduces:
• Pilferage
• Cash mismanagement
• Transaction discrepancies

That could support profitability over time.

Competitive Advantage

Early adoption of self-service infrastructure may:
• Differentiate Eterna from competitors
• Improve customer loyalty
• Attract fleet contracts
• Strengthen brand positioning

Bigger Picture: “Retail Station of the Future”

The partnership signals a move toward:

Smart fuel stations
Secure digital transactions
Real-time fuel analytics
Automated operational systems

This is part of a broader modernization trend in Nigeria’s energy sector.

InvestingPort Insight

This development is not just about convenience.

It represents:
• A shift from manual to automated operations
• A move from cash-heavy systems to digital ecosystems
• A strategic repositioning of Eterna in a competitive market

If executed efficiently and scaled properly, this could:

Improve cost efficiency
Enhance margin stability
Drive long-term operational resilience