Fuel Fraud Exposed: Gweru, Kwekwe at the Heart of Dangerous Dilution
GWERU – The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) has flagged Gweru and Kwekwe as major hubs for fuel dilution and smuggling, warning that these illegal activities threaten consumer safety and the integrity of the fuel industry.
According to The Sun, fuel tanker drivers travelling between Harare and Bulawayo frequently stop overnight in industrial zones in Gweru and Kwekwe, where traders secretly alter fuel, mixing petrol or diesel with paraffin before continuing their journey.
This illicit practice not only deceives consumers but also leads to substandard fuel that can damage engines and create safety hazards.
ZERA Regional Compliance Officer Hugh Mlauzi confirmed the growing concern, stating:
“Fuel dilution is rampant in Gweru and Kwekwe, where tanker drivers use industrial areas as staging points for illegal fuel mixing before delivering adulterated products to the market. This practice severely affects fuel integrity.”
Fuel fraud extends beyond local operations. Trucks transporting fuel from Botswana and South Africa via Bulawayo and Masvingo also stop in Gweru, further fuelling illegal activities.
In response, ZERA has deployed chemical engineers to conduct routine testing of fuel at service stations in these high-risk areas.
“Our chemical engineers are working tirelessly, inspecting fuel stations, collecting samples, and ensuring compliance with national fuel standards.
“Operators selling compromised fuel will face regulatory action”, Mlauzi emphasised.
ZERA has also raised alarms over the growing influx of smuggled Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders, commonly known as “orphan cylinders” due to their untraceable origins.
These illegally imported cylinders pose significant safety risks, often leaving victims struggling to seek compensation in the event of accidents.
Unregulated LPG retail sites have increased sharply, especially at bus terminals and tuck shops.
Authorities, in partnership with the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) and the City of Gweru, are working to shut down unauthorised retailers while enforcing strict compliance measures.
ZERA urges LPG retailers to follow proper licensing procedures, which include obtaining an LPG retail certificate, fire clearance from the chief fire officer, and EMA certification. The annual fee for an LPG retail licence is set at $115.
With fuel dilution and smuggling posing a growing threat, ZERA calls on the public to report illegal operations and unregistered LPG sites to authorities.
“We need community involvement to eliminate these unlawful practices,” Mlauzi stressed.
