BY PHUMELELE GAMEDZE (INTERN)
MBABANE—The Chief Executive Officer of the Eswatini Energy Regulatory Authority, Skhumbuzo Tsabedze, has issued a strong warning against the illegal storage and sale of petrol in residential areas, describing the practice as both dangerous and unlawful.
Tsabedze said the authority is increasingly concerned about individuals who are storing large quantities of petrol in their homesteads using 20 litre containers and drums. Some have gone further by selling the fuel within their communities at unregulated prices.
He stressed that such activities not only violate the law but also pose serious risks to public safety. Petrol is highly flammable and improper storage can easily result in fires that may destroy homes and endanger lives.
“Communities are being placed at risk unnecessarily. Children are particularly vulnerable, as they may unknowingly come into contact with or even ingest the fuel,” Tsabedze said.
He emphasised that the sale of petrol is strictly regulated in Eswatini, and only licensed filling stations are authorised to distribute fuel. Individuals are not permitted to sell petrol privately or operate informal fuel businesses.
Tsabedze also called on fuel station operators to exercise caution and avoid selling petrol to individuals who may be purchasing it for illegal resale or unsafe storage.
He explained that buying petrol in containers requires a valid permit and must be supported by a legitimate reason. Currently, only a limited number of users, such as grass cutters, are allowed to purchase fuel in small quantities typically up to five litres and only with proper authorisation.
Furthermore, he warned against the practice of reselling petrol at inflated prices, noting that fuel pricing is determined by government and cannot be altered by individuals.
Authorities have urged the public to comply with regulations and report illegal fuel activities, warning that offenders will face legal consequences.
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(Courtesy Pic)
