Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority issues warning against illegal doorstep fuel deliveries

In a statement, ZERA said it has noted with concern that some individuals and companies are advertising mobile fuel dispensing services through the press and social media. “Stakeholders and the public are advised that ZERA does not have a license category for mobile fuel dispensing, nor does it license trucks to do retail filling of fuel to consumers at their homes or doorsteps, nor at any other undesignated places,” read the statement.

Ivan Zhakata-Herald Correspondent

Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) has warned the public and businesses against engaging unlicensed operators offering doorstep fuel deliveries saying the practice is illegal and unsafe.

In a statement, ZERA said it has noted with concern that some individuals and companies are advertising mobile fuel dispensing services through the press and social media.

“Stakeholders and the public are advised that ZERA does not have a license category for mobile fuel dispensing, nor does it license trucks to do retail filling of fuel to consumers at their homes or doorsteps, nor at any other undesignated places,” read the statement.

ZERA said fuel can only be dispensed into vehicle tanks at licensed retail service stations or into properly designed and approved storage facilities at large consumer premises.

It dismissed the “hand-to-mouth” fuel model, where small amounts are delivered directly into vehicles and equipment at undesignated sites.

“For safety reasons, fuel is only dispensed into vehicle fuel tanks from licensed fuel retail stations or into suitably designed, constructed and licensed storage tanks at large consumers’ premises,” reads the statement.

ZERA said local authorities’ fire departments were responsible for approving premises designated for fuel handling and storage.

The regulator further said that there was no shortage of fuel in urban areas to justify doorstep deliveries.

Instead, it urged those seeking to provide flexible fuel solutions to invest in containerised fuel stations, particularly in underserved rural areas.

“Anyone interested in offering flexible fuel solutions to consumers is encouraged to consider deployment of containerised fuel stations in remote and underserved rural areas in terms of the recently gazetted standard ZWS1119:2024 Guidelines to Establishing Containerised/Portable Fuel Retail Stations in Rural and Remote Areas.”

The warning comes as Zimbabwe has witnessed a rise in informal fuel trading, with some operators attempting to capitalise on convenience-driven services.