Online Reporter
Midlands Bureau
GWERU and Kwekwe are high-risk areas for fuel fraud, where unscrupulous traders are reportedly diluting fuel destined for Bulawayo and Harare with paraffin, according to the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA).
Such practices can cause severe damage to vehicle engines, leading to costly repairs, reduced performance, and potentially complete engine failures.
The issue was brought to light at a recent stakeholder engagement and awareness workshop in Gweru.
The workshop sought to educate the public and business operators on laws governing business operations, ensuring these neither endanger lives nor the environment.
ZERA regional compliance Officer, Mr Hugh Mlauzi, highlighted that siphoning fuel from tankers carries numerous health and safety risks, including respiratory problems and loss of consciousness.
Fuel is highly flammable, and siphoning it can result in sparks or fires, especially near ignition sources.
“As ZERA, we have identified Gweru and Kwekwe as high-risk areas for fuel fraud, where unscrupulous traders are suspected of diluting fuel destined for Bulawayo or Harare with paraffin,” he said.
Mr Mlauzi said such cases often occur when tankers travelling from Harare to Bulawayo are parked overnight in either Gweru or Kwekwe.
“The tanker driver parks the vehicle in industrial areas overnight, either in Gweru or Kwekwe, where the illegal activity of mixing substances such as paraffin with petrol or diesel takes place before continuing the journey to Bulawayo. Trucks coming from Botswana and South Africa via Bulawayo and Masvingo also stop in Gweru for fuel dilution and smuggling,” he said.
ZERA had implemented measures to combat the growing problem, including deploying chemical engineers to monitor suspected sites in both cities.
“We have chemical engineers who are working tirelessly, especially in the identified hotspots, visiting every fuel station to collect samples of petrol and diesel for testing to ensure they meet the required standards,” said Mr Mlauzi.
He warned of the dangers posed by the use of gas cyclinders for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) manufactured by unverified suppliers, which are prone to explosions during storage or transport.
Mr Mlauzi stressed the importance of purchasing standardised cylinders from reputable dealers to safeguard lives and property.
“We have seen an increase in orphan gas cylinders, which pose a serious risk to communities and must be avoided at all costs. ZERA refers to smuggled LPG cylinders as ‘orphans’ because, in the event of an accident, it is difficult for victims to claim compensation. We also urge LPG traders to use recommended sheds made of steel rods and wood to protect both equipment and customers,” he said.
Mr Mlauzi also raised concerns about the proliferation of illegal LPG retail outlets, particularly at bus terminuses and tuck shops, which lack adequate safety standards.
“We will work closely with the Environmental Management Agency and local authorities to tackle these issues. We urge LPG retailers to register for proper licences, obtain certificates of occupation from city councils, fire clearance from the chief fire officer, and EMA clearance. After completing these processes, a retailer can be issued with an LPG licence, which must be renewed annually,” he said.
