Illegal fuel dealers on the rise in Mutare

Stakeholders in the petroleum industry say rampant illegal fuel dealers are pushing them out of business with Mutare recording the highest number of illicit fuel deals.

The increase in illegal fuel dealers emerged at the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) Petroleum Sector Pricing Study Stakeholders Workshop in the capital.

Fuel dealers fumed over the reluctance by authorities to deal with illegal fuel dealers who are dominating the market especially in Mutare which is pushing them out of business while Consumer Council of Zimbabwe representative took a swipe at the pricing models by fuel companies.

ZERA senior economic regulation manager Mr Learnmore Nechoto said his organisation is working with various stakeholders to curb the increase in illicit trading of fuel, especially in Mutare.

Besides the sprouting of illegal fuel dealers, fuel firms think there is need for government to revise its policy regarding fuel trading as they are making six cents profit margin.

Fuel is currently being sold at US$1.31 which they say is not sustainable.