Jamaican consumers worried about fuel prices can now save up to $3 per litre by using the Lasco Gold Visa Prepaid Card at any TotalEnergies service station.

Lasco Financial Services and TotalEnergies Jamaica made the joint announcement at the TotalEnergies Jamaica headquarters in Kingston on Wednesday, February 12.

“Today we launch our partnership with Lasco, where we will be offering Lasco card members up to a $3 discount at our service stations,” Sanjeev Sheosanker, commercial director, TotalEnergies Jamaica, told the Jamaica Observer’s weekly Auto magazine.

He explained that the discount programme came about when the fuel retailer was approached by Transport Operators Development Sustainable Services (TODDS) to assist with the number one issue facing its sector, fuel costs. Once a willing financial partner was found with the mechanism to operate the rewards programme, TotalEnergies Jamaica decided to expand the fuel discounts to all.

“We saw the desire in TotalEnergies to find a structured way in which to give value to transport operators, and we heard the passionate pleas of Egerton Newman for a sustainable and reliable process for his members to get more value for their money on the road,” said Jacinth Hall-Tracey, managing director, Lasco Financial Services.

All Lasco Gold Visa Prepaid Card holders are eligible for fuel discounts, which can be up to $3 per litre based on the fuel type and grade being purchased at the pump. Hall-Tracey expounded that the discount will be handled as cash back, credited to the cardholder’s account within 48 hours.

“It’s a hassle-free experience. There is no need for extra steps, just swipe, tap, or insert your card at the pump and fuel up,” said Hall-Tracey.

For the 38,000+ members of TODDS, the entity founded 13 years ago to lobby on behalf of the country’s transport operators, Newman welcomed the programme, citing its value beyond just providing cheaper fuel for public passenger vehicle operators.

“The cost of fuel is the greatest challenge in the transport sector,” said Newman.

He calculated annual savings of around $76,000 per operator. Newman highlighted the other functions of the card, including a rudimentary ability to create proper financial record keeping, of importance for those who may seek loans from banking institutions.

Sheosanker also revealed that the discount figure would be doubled once a month and that many more promotions would be delivered down the road for those using their Lasco Gold Visa Prepaid Card at any of the 65 TotalEnergies service stations.

— Rory Daley