ZERA shuts door on aspiring fuel importers

By Ellen Chasokela

The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) has closed the door on new applications for licences to import fuel.

ZERA acting chief executive officer Mr Edington Mazambani said in a statement that they were not banning the issuance of fuel licences, but rationalising the exercise.

“There is no banning of new applications, but only the number of licenses is being rationalised. ZERA has licensed 73 procurement companies to date,” he said.

“Due to foreign currency shortages, ZERA has realised that most of the procurement companies will not access foreign currency from the central bank, therefore, the rationalisation of procurement licences.

“Licensing more operations does not necessarily lead to the supply of more fuel and, therefore, the disappearance of long queues. In the past, the country has been able to manage with less than 10 procurement companies.

“The arms of the Government mandated to manage fuel supply will continue to strategise and put in place financial and other logistical mechanisms to ensure that the country has enough fuel for licensed operators.

“Any change to this position will be communicated appropriately.’’ The Herald