Elima Fuels is facing renewed criticism after it was revealed that the company has continued to sell contaminated fuel, despite previous warnings, fines, and sanctions imposed earlier this year.
This ongoing issue has raised significant concerns about the safety and reliability of the fuel being sold, as contaminated fuel can lead to severe vehicle damage and pose risks to drivers. Elima Fuels’ low prices are increasingly seen as a result of cutting corners and selling substandard fuel.
In February, the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) found Elima Fuels selling fuel below the required standards and fined the company. Despite this, Elima Fuels has ignored ZERA’s directives and continued its sale of contaminated fuel, leading to the suspension of one of its branches’ license due to repeated infractions.
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The sale of contaminated fuel not only affects vehicle performance, causing issues like clogged fuel injectors and damaged engines, but also jeopardizes road safety and increases environmental pollution. Many customers have reported vehicle breakdowns and poor performance after using Elima Fuels, leading to costly repairs.
Elima Fuels’ branch in Ruwa was recently shut down for selling substandard fuel, adding to its list of offenses. Other branches, including Waterfalls and Elima Fuels VID Eastlea, are also implicated in the scandal, with Ruwa’s license revoked for repeated violations.
This situation highlights concerns about the effectiveness of regulatory enforcement and the safety of consumers. Fuel prices in Zimbabwe remain stable, with Petrol Blend (E20) at USD 1.60 per liter and Diesel (D50) at USD 1.63 per liter, while local currency prices are ZiG 22.08 and ZiG 22.42 per liter.
Attempts to get a response from Elima Fuels have been unsuccessful, with messages going unanswered.