More drivers can now buy petrol without leaving the car seat.

BPMe, an app developed by fuel merchant BP, allows customers to purchase petrol in a hand-full of swipes. BP Fuelcard holders have had access to the technology since July last year, and now it's available to anyone with a credit or debit card.

While Gull and Z's pay-at-pump options have let drivers avoid interaction with human cashiers for years, this is the first time many will be able to pay via their smartphone.

FAIRFAX NZ

BP communications manager Shelley Brady using the new fuel buying app.

BP spokeswoman Shelley Brady said the system had been streamlined over the last six months thanks to feedback from Fuelcard users.

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"It's a step change for the industry - mobile phone technology is the future," she said.

Parents reluctant to leave kids alone in the car, those wanting to avoid unhealthy in-store temptations, and tradies needing to get back on the job as quickly as possible would benefit from BPMe, she said.

Would fewer customers going inside to pay for their petrol and make last minute pie purchases spell the end of Wild Bean Cafe?

Bradley thought not.

"People come to BP for a variety of reasons - this app will just let those in hurry to move on faster," she said.

"It will reduce congestion inside Wild Bean Cafe, letting staff focus more on customer service, and also on the forecourt."

Whiteware installer Josh Smith said that while drivers within his company had started using the app months ago via their Fuelcards, he hadn't yet bought fuel with it.

"We mainly use it to find petrol stations in random areas we don't know well," he said.

"I'm in the habit of going in to pay and grabbing a pie at the same time."

 - Stuff