Chronicle Editor
Nokutenda Tobve
THE Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (Zera) shut down more than 70 unlicensed fuel stations that were suspected of selling petroleum products from unauthorised suppliers and failed to meet regulatory specifications, it has been learnt.
In a crackdown between January and July this year, the regulatory body also closed over 130 liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) retail sites operating without the required licences.
Fines ranging between US$200 and US$700 were imposed on the unlicensed fuel retailers.
Unlicensed LPG retailers were fined between US$30 and US$600.
In a recent interview with The Sunday Mail, Zera chief executive officer Mr Edington Mazambani said: “Seventy-three liquid and 136 LPG retail sites have been closed and prosecuted for operating without the requisite petroleum retail licences from January to July 2024.
“The penalties imposed have ranged from US$200 to US$700 for liquid fuels and US$30 to US$600 for LPG. The fines are based on the Petroleum Act of 2006 that provides the maximum fine as Level 9.”
Mr Mazambani, however, indicated that the fines seemed not to be deterrent enough.
“Zera, however, feels the fines are low and is working with relevant Government agencies to make the fines stiffer and more deterrent to ensure that operators do not repeat the same offence,” he added.
“At the same time, we are also developing a system for spot fines, which will quicken the enforcement process and impose stiffer penalties.”
Zera employs a range of methods to identify unlicensed fuel stations, including impromptu inspections, market surveillance and collaboration with law-enforcement agencies.
“Such sites not only violate the law but often procure fuel from unauthorised suppliers.
“They also fail to meet safety and infrastructure standards, potentially selling fuel that is off-specification, posing a danger to vehicle owners.
“Zera collaborates with various Government agencies to enforce compliance with licensing regulations, ensuring a secure and regulated energy sector in Zimbabwe.”
Zera, Mr Mazambani said, also works closely with the Ministry of Energy and Power Development, and the Attorney-General’s Office to develop and implement regulations.
“We also conduct compliance field work jointly with the police, while we also have a close working relationship with the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority and the Environmental Management Agency.
“Local authorities also collaborate with Zera on inspections and enforcement.
“These joint efforts facilitate intelligence sharing, prosecution, fining and imposition of penalties on offenders, as well as confiscation of their equipment and fuel.”
The number of fuel stations in Zimbabwe has increased dramatically in recent years.
In 2012, there were 299 licensed fuel stations, but by 2023, the figure had skyrocketed to 1 048 licensed operators.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter