MOTORISTS whose vehicles have been damaged by contaminated fuel purchased from service stations blacklisted by the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (Zera) may have legal grounds to seek compensation, businessdigest has learned.
Last week, Zera released a list of 13 companies found guilty of selling contaminated fuel. These companies were fined in accordance with Zimbabwean law.
The blacklisted firms as stated by Zera include Knars Petroleum in Marondera, Rubel Energy in Mufakose (Harare), AA Fuels in Southerton (Harare), Elima in Waterfalls (Harare), Elima in Ruwa, and Mt Meru in Mbare (Harare).
Other companies penalised are Busuman Motors in Bulawayo, All Oils in Ardbennie (Harare), Da Motors in Mutare, Flo Petroleum in Masvingo, and Pitstop in Hatcliffe (Harare).
The fuel sold by these companies failed to meet the quality standards set by Zera.
Zera’s chief executive officer, Edington Mazambani, told businessdigest that affected motorists have the right to sue the blacklisted fuel traders.
“Motorists who suspect fuel contamination are urged to report to the service station management immediately,” Mazambani said.
“At the same time, they should report to Zera to have the fuel at the service station tested without delay.
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“Zera prosecutes operators found selling contaminated fuel and motorists can take up their cases with the concerned operators’’, he said.
One of the companies, Elima Ruwa, had its licence revoked after being fined, according to Zera.
The regulator also stated that there have been no reported cases of contaminated imported fuel on the local market.
“Zera has not seen cases of contaminated fuel imports in the cases of contamination seen happening in the local distribution and handling system,” Mazambani added.
As at the time of publication, Zera had not provided details regarding the quantity of contaminated fuel detected.
Motorists are calling for regular publication of blacklisted dealers to inform the market about safe retailers.
