Introduction of AI-based Refueling Monitoring System at Self-Service Stations

ENEOS Corporation (hereinafter "ENEOS") will begin introducing an AI automatic refueling monitoring system (hereinafter "this system") for the purpose of ensuring safety during refueling and improving operational efficiency at self-service stations (hereinafter "self-SS"). Since fiscal year 2018, ENEOS has participated as a member company of the Petroleum Association of Japan in public-private joint study groups *1 hosted by the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy and the Fire and Disaster Management Agency. Toward labor-saving in refueling monitoring operations, we have cooperated with system manufacturers in development from the perspective of improving system safety and convenience by providing verification sites, giving feedback on operational know-how, and organizing requirements. Due to the revision of the ministerial ordinance (hereinafter "this revision") *2 enforced on February 28, 2026, the use of this system at self-SS has been approved. With this revision, AI will take over the monitoring operations associated with safety confirmation and refueling authorization during refueling, which were conventionally performed by staff, making it possible to streamline monitoring operations. Although the introduction of this system does not mean that self-SS will become completely unmanned, it is expected to reduce the burden of refueling monitoring operations at complex stores equipped with car maintenance facilities or convenience stores, resolve the human resource shortage at SS, and improve operational efficiency. This will allow us to focus on guiding customers, improving the quality of service, and managing stores more meticulously. ENEOS has been actively promoting operational efficiency using AI, and has conducted technical verifications and effect validations while ensuring safety at some stores for each type of self-SS. Going forward, we will begin the operation of this system from the stores where verifications have been completed, and based on feedback from customers and site staff, as well as safety evaluations, we will gradually expand its introduction to the SS network nationwide. Aiming for both safety and convenience, we will lead the evolution of self-SS by providing customers with "safe and comfortable refueling" and staff with "an easy-to-work environment." ENEOS will continue to challenge business transformation and new value creation through the use of AI and other means, while pursuing a new form of safe, secure, and comfortable SS that supports the "ordinary of today" and leads the "ordinary of tomorrow." *1 Overview of public-private joint study groups *2 Revisions to the Rules concerning the Regulation of Dangerous Goods (Prime Minister's Office Ordinance No. 55 of 1959) and the Public Notice defining details of technical standards concerning the regulation of dangerous goods (Ministry of Home Affairs Public Notice No. 99 of 1974). End Keywords: