Business · Energy & Commodities · 6 hrs ago
China rolls out automatic e-invoicing at fuel stations
From Nov.
1, fuel stations across China began issuing invoices automatically after each fuel purchase.
The system creates a digital invoice using transaction data and covers payments by cash, fuel card and online or third-party platforms.
It is designed to end the need for customers to repeatedly provide details and make it easier to get an invoice after a purchase.
Customers should check their personal or company details before paying, then download and save the invoice once it arrives.
Staff will still help customers who cannot use digital services, including older drivers who need help receiving or printing an invoice.
The change also aims to reduce missing or incorrect invoices and cut station staff workload.
Stations say the process from payment to invoice delivery has fallen from three to five minutes to less than five seconds.
Customers who have problems can contact the station or call China’s 12366 tax service hotline.
China began a nationwide rollout of automatic digital invoicing at retail fuel stations on November 1.
After payment, customers receive an electronic invoice generated from transaction data.
The system applies to payments made through online platforms, fuel cards and cash, among other methods.
Tax officials say the system can reduce missing, refused or incorrect invoices and cut station staff workload.
Fuel stations retain in-person help for customers who need assistance receiving or printing invoices.
- Who
- Retail fuel stations and their customers in China.
- What
- Fuel stations automatically issue digital electronic invoices after fuel purchases.
- When
- The nationwide rollout began on November 1; the article was published on November 10, 2026.
- Where
- Retail fuel stations across China.
- Why
- The system is intended to make invoicing more reliable and efficient and reduce the need for customers to enter information repeatedly.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Start date
- November 1
- Coverage
- Retail fuel stations nationwide in China
- Invoice type
- Fully digital electronic invoice
- Payment methods
- Third-party and internet platforms, fuel cards and cash
- Invoice delivery time
- Under 5 seconds, compared with 3–5 minutes before the upgrade
1 source
What people are saying
The full process from payment completion to invoice delivery has been shortened from 3–5 minutes before the upgrade to under 5 seconds.