Eneos eyes adding online health checkup services at gas stations

Jiji Press

13:47 JST, June 3, 2022

TOKYO (Jiji Press) — Leading Japanese oil wholesaler Eneos Holdings Inc. is considering the introduction of online health consultation services at gas stations, its president, Takeshi Saito, said in a recent interview.

“I’m seeing potential in gas stations as real stores,” although they are struggling due to drops in the country’s population and demand for gasoline, Saito said.

As part of efforts to maintain its domestic sales network, Eneos plans to strengthen the functions of its gas stations as bases for local communities. It has already started tests to offer laundry and other services.

In cooperation with Next Innovation Inc., a remote medical service provider based in Osaka City, Eneos has developed an unmanned booth in which users can check their blood pressure, among other things, and consult medical specialists by video link. Those who want to use the booth can make reservations via their smartphones or other devices.

“People who cannot go to the hospital frequently and truck drivers, for example, would find it easy to use the booths” if they are installed at gas stations, Saito said.

At a time when gasoline demand has been falling due to a shift to electrified vehicles, the firm will accelerate its study on the planned online consultation services at its gas stations.