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Eng Magombo refused to name the firms, saying it would prejudice the investigations.
“We cannot at this time name the companies but will give you the names in due course,” she said.
Eng Magombo said Zera was also aware that some unlicensed liquid petroleum gas operators were selling gas, creating a safety risk, and has since engaged local authorities to enforce compliance with the relevant laws and safety rules.
Zera is currently working on a new draft of regulations and codes for handling, storage and distribution of LPG that will be gazetted and come into effect before the end of the year.
RE-VISIT
She said the agency would also assist local authorities with resources to clamp down on illegal fuel and gas operators.
“Zera has already clamped down on issuing of licences for importing LPG, requiring compliance with safety regulations first, and consultative meetings have already been held with industry players and these regulations would ensure safety in this sector,” she said.
Zimbabwe has 60 licensed fuel wholesalers or importers and 156 licensed retailers.
Meanwhile, the Fire Department said all flammable liquids and gases should be sold at approved areas where there is control and minimum risk of fire and explosions that safeguard lives and protect property.
“The hazards of illegal sale of fuel, or should I say potential hazards, are fires or explosions.
“Fuel is highly flammable and will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. It also evaporates and may form explosive mixtures with air while vapours may travel to source of ignition and flashback,” chief fire officer Mr Servias Mugava said.
He said although the fire department has no record of the fuel companies that were non-compliant, the department has not managed to visit some areas for
inspection because of transport challenges.
Mr Mugava said there was also need for proper labels of the product and danger warning signs to be displayed at approved selling and storage depots or places.
He said most vapours were heavier than air and would spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks, etc).
“Vapour explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers and containers may explode when heated and many liquids are lighter than air,” he said.
On LPG, which is a mixture of propane and butane, he said it was flammable and may be ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
Last year Zera warned all fuel operators from conducting business without registering under the agency as provided for under the Energy Regulatory Act and the Petroleum Act.
The licences are issued annually at prescribed fees, which vary according to the nature of operations.
Fuel producers and importers pay US$20 000 per operator, followed by fuel wholesalers at US$8 000, blenders at US$5 000.
Retailers are charged US$500 and US$200 for urban and rural operations respectively.
Online Reporter