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Ewura moves against dirty petroleum products
2007-05-15 09:52:00
By Guardian Reporter
The Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (Ewura) has launched surprise inspections of oil companies` storage depots and filling stations in Dar es Salaam in a bid to ensure distribution and use of standard petroleum products.
Inspectors from the agency have been collecting petroleum random samples for laboratory tests to determine whether the petroleum products in use comply with specifications set by the Tanzania Bureau of Standards.
The operation comes after reports that the illegal mixing of petroleum products and use of adulterated fuels were on the rise countrywide, with Ewura having received public complaints over the abundance of poor quality petroleum products in the local market.
“The exercise will help to determine whether the products sold by companies and stations in different parts of the country are as pure as they legally ought to be,” explained Ewura Director General Haruna Masebu.
He gave the agency’s duties and responsibilities as including monitoring the standard of goods falling under the water and energy sectors in the context of environmental safety and overall quality.
According to the Ewura chief, the inspections will be conducted on regular basis under a campaign later to be rolled out to the rest of the country.
“We expect to broaden our coverage and reach the whole country when we procure our own mobile laboratory. That will enable us to test more samples,” he said, adding: “We are determined to curb the massive adulteration of petroleum products and ensure that consumers receive clean, standard and quality products worth their money.”
Masebu called on consumers to be extremely careful when buying petroleum products and to lodge complaints with Ewura and other relevant authorities whenever they come across suspicious dealings related to the products “because our goal is to protect consumers from being cheated by dishonest elements”.
He promised culprits face stern action, including heavy fines and having their licences revoked.
Meanwhile, he said the agency would continue with its public awareness campaigns to ensure that both dealers and consumers fully understand their rights and obligations.
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