ZERA warns illegal fuel dealers

Paidamoyo Bore

THE Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) has warned illegal fuel dealers selling fuel on the streets that it is illegal to operate without a licence.

ZERA said licensed petroleum dealers, who breach their licence conditions by buying fuel from unlicensed wholesalers, also risk losing their licences.

It said it will initiate prosecution against all illegal fuel dealers.

Some motorists have recently been avoiding the pump, in favour of street fuel traders, who sell their fuel in two-litre, five-litre, 10-litre and 20-litre containers on the roadside.

Some traders operate close to service stations and signal motorists, who want to refuel, to come and buy cheaper fuel.

“Petroleum retail companies are advised to conduct due diligence by engaging ZERA to verify the authenticity of any company that may be offering fuel for sale in a suspicious manner,” ZERA said in a media statement.