Cosmo Oil Marketing to Begin Nationwide Introduction of AI Automatic Fueling Permission Monitoring System 'AiQ PERMISSION' at Self-Service Gas Stations

Cosmo Oil Marketing Co., Ltd. (President: Naoki Takayama), a group company of Cosmo Energy Holdings Co., Ltd. (President: Shigeru Yamada), announced that it will begin introducing 'AiQ PERMISSION,' an AI automatic fueling permission monitoring system for self-service gas stations (SS) currently under development with ELEMENTS Co., Ltd. (President: Keiki Hasegawa, hereinafter 'ELEMENTS'), to self-service SS nationwide. This system will enable AI to take over part of the tasks currently performed by employees at self-service SS.

1. Overview of AI Automatic Fueling Permission Monitoring System 'AiQ PERMISSION'

'AiQ PERMISSION' is a system that uses AI to analyze camera footage and automate safety checks and detection of improper fueling during refueling at self-service SS. Development began in 2018, and it has been undergoing demonstration experiments at multiple stores after passing the technical standards conformity confirmation test. The AI makes judgments based on camera footage capturing the status of fuelers and vehicles, and if no risk behavior is detected, fueling permission is granted. If risk behavior is detected, employees are alerted or fueling is stopped.

This system enables labor savings at self-service SS and a shift of employees to higher value-added tasks, while also leading to greater safety assurance, such as preventing accidents and troubles caused by human error.

[System Operation Image]

<Benefits of Introduction>

• Ensuring High Safety

'AiQ PERMISSION' continues to monitor even after fueling permission is issued. For example, by continuously detecting fire hazards before and during fueling, and strengthening monitoring that was not sufficiently covered by human-only responses, a higher level of safety can be ensured.

• Improving Productivity through Operational Efficiency

The AI automatic fueling permission monitoring system can automate the fueling permission confirmation process. Employee intervention regarding fueling permission is only required when the AI detects risk behavior, allowing them to engage in other tasks and work more productively and efficiently.

*See Appendix 1 and 2 for background on development and demonstration at stores.

2. Future Introduction

In demonstration experiments in 2024, 'AiQ PERMISSION' passed the technical standards conformity confirmation test for the demonstration unit by the High Pressure Gas Safety Institute of Japan (KHK), which is a condition for implementation. From April 1, 2026, tests have commenced to confirm that the implemented unit has the specifications and functions required for a monitoring system using a conditional automatic control device, and that the system's operation and management structure are properly established.

'AiQ PERMISSION' will be introduced to self-service SS nationwide as soon as a 'Test Confirmation Certificate' for the implemented unit, in compliance with relevant laws and regulations, is obtained.

<Background of Development>

The number of gas stations (service stations) in Japan has continued to decline since peaking at 60,421 at the end of fiscal 1994, falling to less than half in 30 years.

[Transition in Number of Gasoline Retailers and Gas Stations] (2024 results)

Reference: Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry website

https://www.enecho.meti.go.jp/category/resources_and_fuel/distribution/hinnkakuhou/250730.html

Major factors include not only the decrease in fuel oil demand but also, in recent years, personnel shortages and the absence of successors leading to gas station closures. Particularly in sparsely populated areas, the closure of gas stations is seen as a 'crisis for regional infrastructure' and poses a significant challenge. To resolve these issues, the Fire and Disaster Management Agency of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications began discussions in 2021 at the 'Study Group on Smart Security for Hazardous Material Facilities' regarding AI-assisted fueling permission monitoring at self-service fueling facilities. This study group continued for five years thereafter, and in March 2026, the 'Study Report on Smart Security for Hazardous Material Facilities' was compiled.

Against this background, since the liberalization of self-service fueling in 1998, fueling permission and monitoring at self-service gas stations have been mandatory to be performed by humans from a safety management perspective. However, with the legal revision on February 27, 2026, regulations were relaxed, and the introduction of 'automatic control devices' that meet certain conditions was approved.

<Demonstration Status>

1. Normal SS

2. Snowy Region SS

Demonstration experiments have been conducted at multiple stores, confirming that the system can handle different types of stores, including varying sizes, lane layouts, and camera installation conditions. Verification has also been carried out in snowy regions, confirming its effectiveness even where visual inspection by humans would be difficult.