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Filling station shut over ’dirty’ fuel
2006-03-16 09:24:34
By Judica Tarimo
The Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) yesterday uncovered a filling station that sells adulterated fuel in the current crackdown on firms suspected to be involved in the sale of ’’dirty’’ oil products.
The discovery comes just a day after the Parliamentary Investment and Trade Committee warned TBS against allowing oil firms that sell adulterated fuel to mushroom.
’’I now agree with MPs’ concerns after landing on this illegal business,’’ TBS Director Daimon Mwakyembe said yesterday.
The station, situated on Mandela Expressway, is allegedly notorious for dealing in adulterated fuel and other oil products.
TBS had prior to its visit warned the owner of the station to stop selling dirty fuel.
Standard regulations and laws mandate TBS to close down such stations for compromising quality requirements.
But TBS officials said the decision to close down the station permanently would be taken once the inspection is complete.
TBS is expected to deploy inspectors at the station to check the quality of products sold by the station.
’’After two days or so, we’ll announce the outcome and the decision we’ll have taken – whether to ban the station or not,’’ Mwakyembe said.
TBS copied the letters banning the station from further selling fuel and other oil products to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and the Tanzania Association of Oil Marketing Companies.
’’We have ascertained that the petrol is actually mixed with kerosene just as we were told by our informer.
That’s why we have ordered the station to close down pending the completion of our inspection,’’ said Mwakyembe.
Filling stations rake in millions at the detriment of vehicle owners as the fuel leads to frequent engine failure.
Sources said such stations earn up to over 300,000/- by reducing one millilitre of genuine petrol and adding an equivalent amount of kerosene.
According to sources, most of the stations involved in such activities have been selling fuel products cheaply.
’’They (fuel stations) are getting a lot of money out of such illegal business,’’ the TBS director said.
Mwakyembe said the discovery and the concerns of the MPs had opened their eyes to the flagrancy of the malpractice.
The TBS officials said most filling stations in the country sell adulterated fuel.
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