Published: 6 hours ago

The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) has announced a suspension on issuing new licences for fuel stations in urban centres, citing concerns over uncontrolled growth and clustering.

The regulator said some suburbs now have filling stations located within metres of each other, raising safety concerns and putting pressure on limited infrastructure.

ZERA acting CEO Eddington Mazambani said authorities are drafting new by-laws that will require a minimum 15km spacing between new fuel outlets. "We want to bring order to the sector and ensure that investment is spread evenly, including to rural areas," he said.

The regulator is also encouraging investment in containerised fuel stations for remote districts, arguing they are cheaper, safer, and easier to maintain.

Industry players have welcomed the decision, saying unregulated growth was leading to oversupply in certain areas while leaving rural communities underserved.
- The Herald

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