The Ministry of Industry and Trade warns that a swift shift from paper to digital invoicing could potentially force many gasoline retailers to close their doors. The Ministry of Finance has introduced a new regulation mandating approximately 1,500 gas stations to adopt electronic billing by the start of the next year to maintain their business licenses, as per the industry ministry’s projections. Despite recognizing the importance of digital invoicing, the transition presents financial and time investments for businesses. Consequently, the ministry suggests allowing these businesses a one-year grace period to switch to digital billing while continuing their operations as usual.
The mentioned 1,500 stations are those whose business permits are nearing expiration and must seek renewal in the next year’s first quarter. Across the nation, there are 17,000 gasoline retailers, with urban stations expected to make the digital switch next year, whereas those in remote and mountainous regions are given a two-year timeframe to comply.
To date, only Petrolimex has fully implemented electronic billing across its 2,700 pumps. Other key players like PV Oil and Mipecorp are currently in the midst of their digital transitions.