Zera issues 3 000 fuel station licences
THE Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (Zera) issued more than 3 300 fuel retail licences over the last four years, reflecting a marked increase in the number of new service stations in the country in recent years.
Rapid expansion of the sector has been attributed to rising demand for petrol and diesel, as well as Government initiatives to attract investment in the industry.
“Zera licensed a total of 910 fuel stations in the 2023 licensing year,” said Zera chief executive Mr Edington Mazambani.
“The regulator has witnessed a continuous growth in the number of licensed fuel stations from 2020 to date.
“In total, 733 fuel stations were licensed in 2020; 848 fuel stations were licensed in 2021; and 881 fuel stations were licensed in 2022.”
Zimbabwe requires at least three million litres and four million litres of petrol and diesel per day, respectively.
Demand, however, continues to rise on account of an economy growing at an accelerated pace, driven by expansion of the mining, agriculture and infrastructure development sectors.
Development of new urban settlements and new roads has also created more strategic locations for the establishment of service stations, according to Zera.
However, there has been growing concern over safety and environmental risks posed by some new fuel stations, which are located close to residential areas.
But Mr Mazambani said the regulator only issues licences to operators that meet all safety standards for the petroleum industry.
“The location and siting of fuel stations is a preserve of relevant local authorities, in line with their development plans and by-laws,” he added.
“The local authorities’ fire departments conduct risk assessments for any proposed petroleum retail facilities within the local authority and make the necessary recommendations.
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