FULL TEXT: ZERA Addresses Concerns Over Quality Of Petrol Blend

The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority’s (ZERA) attention has been drawn to some comments being made and circulated on social media concerning the quality of fuel in Zimbabwe and its fuel economy.

ZERA wishes to advise the public that 90% of petroleum fuel used in Zimbabwe comes by pipeline from Beira to Feruka, Mabvuku and Msasa depots where it is subjected to strict quality tests before release into the market. All petrol coming by pipeline is blended with ethanol to a gazetted level, currently 20%, at NOIC or at licensed blending sites.

In the market, ZERA consistently conducts routine quality inspections at all fuel service stations across the country and prosecutes offending operators.

From January 2019 to August 2019, the average compliance rate to fuel quality standards was 99.2% across the country with only one site being prosecuted for having contaminated diesel.

ZERA wishes to assure the public that the blending ratio of unleaded petrol and ethanol obtaining in the market is consistent across the country and is in line with ZWS964:3 standard E20 for blending.

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Blending petrol with ethanol has helped to hold down the rate of increase in petrol price. Without blending, the pump price of unleaded petrol would be significantly higher than it is now.

The Authority is aware that during periods of product supply constraints, as is obtaining now, some filling stations may be tempted to engage in illegal and unethical practices for personal gain.

ZERA is carrying out joint monitoring operations with key stakeholders such as the Trade Measures Department to detect and deter any malpractices in the sector.

Consumers are encouraged to report suspicious operators in time to enable prompt investigations and corrective action.

Consumers are also urged to avoid buying fuel from unlicensed fuel vendors whose product quality cannot be assured and may have been tampered with.