Online Reporter
Midlands Bureau
THE Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (Zera) has identified Gweru and Kwekwe as high-risk zones for widespread fuel fraud, warning that unscrupulous traders are adulterating fuel with paraffin.
The illicit practice, often targeting fuel destined for Bulawayo or Harare, can inflict serious damage on vehicle engines, leading to costly repairs, diminished performance and even total engine failure.
The issue came to the fore during a recent stakeholder engagement and awareness workshop held in Gweru, which aimed to educate the public and business operators on legal frameworks ensuring commercial activities do not pose risks to human life or the environment.
Mr Hugh Mlauzi, Zera Regional Compliance Officer, confirmed the findings.
“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 elaborated on the dangerous methods involved, explaining that siphoning fuel from tankers presents numerous health and safety hazards, including respiratory complications, loss of consciousness, and the inherent risk of sparks or fires due to the highly flammable nature of fuel.
Mr Mlauzi noted that such incidents typically occur when tankers travelling from Harare to Bulawayo are parked overnight in either Gweru or Kwekwe’s industrial areas.
“The illegal activity of mixing substances such as paraffin with petrol or diesel takes place before continuing the journey to Bulawayo,” he said.
He said that trucks coming from Botswana and South Africa via Bulawayo and Masvingo also stop in Gweru for fuel dilution and smuggling. He added that Zera has introduced measures to curb the growing problem, including the deployment of 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 also issued a warning about the dangers associated with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) “orphan gas cylinders” produced by unverified manufacturers, which are prone to explosions during storage or transportation.
Mr Mlauzi underscored the importance of purchasing standardised cylinders from reputable dealers, to protect 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 further expressed concern over the proliferation of illegal LPG retail outlets, particularly at bus terminals and tuck shops, which often lack adequate safety measures.
“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.
