ZERA enforces ethanol blending mandate amidst controversy

The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) has reaffirmed its directive for full compliance with Statutory Instrument 150 of 2024, which mandates the blending of anhydrous ethanol with unleaded petrol. The regulation, which took effect at the end of August 2024, prohibits the sale of pure unleaded petrol and aims to promote the use of biofuels as part of Zimbabwe's energy strategy.

Regulatory Update

Under the amended Petroleum (Mandatory Blending of Anhydrous Ethanol with Unleaded Petrol) Regulations, 2024 (No. 6), all unleaded petrol imported into Zimbabwe must be blended with ethanol before being sold. The regulation replaced Section 3 of the original 2013 law.

ZERA has warned that any petroleum sector operator found selling mislabeled or non-compliant fuel will face legal consequences.

ZERA emphasized its resolve to enforce the regulation, stating, "We expect total compliance from all petroleum sector operators. Necessary legal steps will be taken to ensure adherence to the law."

The authority has urged operators and consumers to familiarize themselves with the blending requirements and report any non-compliance to the ZERA hotline.

While the government remains steadfast in its push for biofuel adoption, the real test will lie in the petroleum sector's ability to adapt and in public acceptance of ethanol-blended fuel.