A local fuel company, Elima Fuels, recently faced repercussions for selling substandard fuel that failed to meet the minimum requirements set by the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA). Harare Magistrate, Mrs. Ruth Moyo, imposed a fine of US$600 on the company following a complaint filed by ZERA, represented by Shakespear Kunaka, a fuel quality technician.
Elima Fuels was represented in court by Priscilla Ruvarashe Madzima. Prosecuting the case, Ms. Berlinda Chimuka presented evidence showing that on January 12 of this year, Kunaka visited Elima Company as part of his duties and observed the sale of petrol by the company’s employees.
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Identifying himself to one of the employees, Kunaka proceeded to collect petrol samples for testing. These samples were then analyzed in ZERA’s mobile laboratory in the presence of a representative from Elima Fuels. The results of the analysis revealed that Elima was indeed selling petrol that fell short of the minimum requirements outlined in the ZWS964: part 3 standard.
Following the confirmation of substandard fuel, the fuel pump containing the contaminated product was sealed with temper-evidence seals and appropriately labeled. It was determined that Elima Fuels had no authorization to sell fuel of such quality, violating regulatory standards in the process.