By Derick Tsimba 

Zimbabwe Energy Regulation Authority (ZERA) has warned some petroleum licensees from engaging in fuel speculation activities resulting in artificial fuel shortages.

ZERA stated that it was aware that some service stations were involved in hoarding and limiting fuel supplies to customers.

“It has come to the attention of ZERA that some petroleum licensees are deliberately hoarding or limiting fuel supplies to consumers for speculative purposes.

“Isolated cases of service stations charging fuel prices that are above the regulated threshold have also come to ZERA’s attention,” said ZERA.

ZERA also said these practices were in violation of the Petroleum regulations of 2015 which prohibits the withholding of petroleum products for speculation.

“Such actions are in violation of the Petroleum (Fuel Pricing) (Amendment) Regulations, 2015 (No.1) published in Statutory Instrument 20 of 2015 which prohibits the withholding of petroleum products for speculative purposes and charging fuel prices that are beyond the prescribed limits.

“Petroleum licensees are hereby warned to cease and desist from such criminal activities as they risk prosecution and cancellation of their licences,” said the Authority.

The public has been urged to report all suspected fuel withholding and limiting of fuel supplies for speculative purposes, Harare Post has learnt.

Government has also assured the nation that it has not banned the use of jerry cans.