Out of 155 fuel samples collected from retail sites across Zimbabwe, 13 were found to be contaminated or adulterated, failing to meet the required quality standards.
In response, the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) has taken action against those responsible for selling substandard fuel during the first half of 2024.
Operators of the non-compliant sites have been reported to law enforcement for distributing inferior products, as part of ZERA’s efforts to protect consumers and maintain the integrity of Zimbabwe’s fuel supply.
Among the violations, four samples were contaminated with water, and nine were suspected of being adulterated, which involves mixing foreign substances like kerosene or solvents into fuel—a serious breach of quality standards.
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Fuel adulteration is a global issue where dishonest practices are used to deceive consumers into buying substandard products, often for profit at the expense of safety and performance.
“We are committed to safeguarding consumers from substandard fuel, and any site compromising on quality will face legal consequences,” ZERA stated in its half-year report.
ZERA emphasized the importance of legal action in maintaining the quality of fuel within the country, declaring that the integrity of Zimbabwe’s fuel supply chain is non-negotiable. The authority will continue to enforce strict compliance with established standards to deter future violations.
In addition to fuel quality monitoring, ZERA has been diligent in auditing petroleum and Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) facilities as part of its licensing process. During the first quarter of 2024, 113 fuel retail sites and 126 LPG facilities were inspected for compliance with technical standards.
The audits revealed that 23 fuel sites and 37 LPG facilities initially failed to meet licensing requirements. ZERA issued compliance orders, making it clear that licenses would only be granted once all issues were satisfactorily resolved.
ZERA has also focused on improving service standards at fuel retail sites. The authority graded 52 sites on their service quality, with varied results. Only one site received a 5-star rating, while 34 were graded at 3 stars, and 17 sites received just 1 star.
ZERA stressed the need for better customer service in the sector, stating: “We are committed to promoting high standards of service for motorists, and these audits are crucial in driving that improvement.”
The report also noted a decrease in petroleum prices, mainly due to increased crude oil production by the United States and non-OPEC countries. ZERA attributed the falling prices to these global market dynamics.
The report addressed challenges in the petroleum and gas sectors, particularly the issue of illegal LPG retailing. ZERA has intensified its crackdown on unlicensed LPG vendors, seizing over 300 unbranded cylinders used for illegal operations.
“We are stepping up enforcement to combat illegal LPG sales, including the destruction of unbranded cylinders seized from unauthorized vendors,” ZERA announced.
Another issue is the increasing number of fuel retail sites in urban areas. To address this, ZERA is collaborating with the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works, and National Housing to develop a regulatory framework.
“We are working on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to streamline the licensing process and regulate the construction of new fuel retail sites,” ZERA stated. This initiative aims to address public concerns about the density of fuel sites in urban areas.
ZERA’s proactive approach highlights its dedication to enforcing compliance and raising standards within Zimbabwe’s energy sector, ensuring consumers have access to high-quality fuel and services.
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