A growing number of Israeli motorists who use kosher phones are finding themselves unable to obtain receipts after filling up at Israeli self-service gas stations, prompting renewed calls for fuel companies and lawmakers to provide alternatives for consumers who do not use smartphones or SMS services.

The issue was raised by a listener named Dudi during the Osim Seder program hosted by Hillel Kessler on Kol Chai. He said that at many gas stations—particularly self-service pumps—the only receipt option offered after payment is a digital receipt sent via SMS. For customers who use kosher phones or do not utilize text messaging, that often means leaving without any proof of payment.

Dudi said he has encountered the problem repeatedly. In one instance, even the convenience store at the gas station was unable to print a receipt because it had run out of printer paper.

Because he needs receipts for expense reimbursements, he said he was forced to write the transaction details down by hand, leaving him without an official document that could serve as proof of payment. According to Dudi, the problem creates an ongoing financial burden for many drivers, particularly self-employed individuals and employees who rely on receipts to receive reimbursement for business travel.

Joining the discussion was Itcheh Dzialovsky, a longtime advocate for chareidi consumer rights, who agreed that the issue represents a genuine consumer concern. He noted that, to the best of his knowledge, there is currently no explicit legal requirement obligating fuel companies to provide printed receipts at self-service pumps.

Dzialovsky said that government agencies have already developed accommodations for members of the public who do not use smartphones, and argued that gas station operators should adopt similar solutions. He added that while fleet fuel cards (delekan) may offer a practical solution for drivers who regularly use the same vehicle, they are not suitable for the broader public.

During the program, Dzialovsky pledged to contact the major fuel companies directly to raise the issue. He also announced that he would publicly recognize, at no cost, any company that introduces a receipt option that does not require a smartphone or SMS capability.

Kessler noted that the problem extends well beyond gas stations, describing it as part of a broader shift toward digital-only services that increasingly excludes large segments of the population who deliberately choose to use kosher phones.

The Osim Seder program regularly invites listeners to submit questions and concerns involving consumer rights and public services, with the goal of helping listeners navigate issues affecting their daily lives and ensuring they receive the rights and services to which they are entitled.

{Matzav.com}