Bulawayo leads in sale of contaminated fuel, says ZERA

Bulawayo has been identified as the city with the highest number of garages selling contaminated fuel in Zimbabwe, according to the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA).

ZERA CEO Edington Mazambani revealed that the regulatory body has taken action against 43 garages since April last year for selling fuel that does not meet quality standards. Bulawayo topped the list with 14 cases, followed by Manicaland with eight cases, Harare (five), Matabeleland North (five), Matabeleland South (four), Midlands (three), and Masvingo (two).

Mazambani explained that the garages in question were selling fuel that failed to meet the specifications set by Statutory Instrument 23 of 2013 (Fuel Quality Regulations), and the offenders faced fines ranging from US$150 to US$600.

He urged motorists to only fuel their vehicles at licensed service stations and to report any garages suspected of selling contaminated fuel to ZERA.

"Service stations caught selling contaminated fuel will be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted," Mazambani warned. "Repeat offenders will have their operating licences cancelled."

In addition to contaminated fuel concerns, Bulawayo City Council recently highlighted the growing issue of illegal liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) filling stations operating in various suburbs of the city. Some of these unlicensed LPG vendors were even operating out of private homes, creating a significant risk to public safety.

Mazambani also reported that 13 illegal LPG vendors have been arrested since January for operating without licenses.

The combined concerns over both contaminated fuel and illegal LPG stations have prompted the regulatory authority to take swift action to protect consumers and ensure safety standards are upheld.