Online Reporter
Sikhulekelani Moyo
Zimpapers Business Hub
THE Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) has encouraged motorists to protect themselves against potential fuel fraud by demanding evidence that service station pump measurements have been certified.
Violations involving measuring tools usually relate to the illegal manipulation of weights, scales, and volume devices (like fuel pumps).
The Government regularly penalises businesses that use uncertified, tampered, or inaccurate instruments. These offences directly violate the Trade Measures Act and Consumer Protection Act.
Speaking at a World Metrology Day event in Bulawayo recently, ZERA regional compliance officer Engineer Hugh Mlawuzi said ZERA works with the Department of Trade Measures to curtail fuel fraud by dealers.
He, however, noted that ZERA said inspectors cannot be at every station, so consumers must play a role in helping identify business malpractice.
“If a service station bought 10 000 litres but sold 12 000 litres, where did the extra 2 000 come from? That’s when we call in Trade Measures,” he said.
“If they confirm a pump is under-delivering, we close the station. A second offence leads to suspension. A third, and we cancel the licence after prosecution by the National Prosecuting Authority.
“You suspect something, you ask. Service stations should have a certificate to say Trade Measures has verified the equipment.”
He cited progress in compliance since 2023, saying earlier challenges included widespread fuel dilution with paraffin, which prompted the Government to raise paraffin prices to match diesel and introduce cheaper liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as an alternative.
