Source: Fuel availability normalises | Sunday News (local news)
Harare Bureau
FUEL availability across the country is set to improve beginning today, following the completion of scheduled maintenance work on a fuel pumping terminal at the port of Beira in Mozambique, allowing for the smooth movement of petroleum along the Feruka pipeline.
There were intermittent petrol shortages last week owing to a supply deficit occasioned by the two-week-long maintenance work at the port.
Energy and Power Development secretary Engineer Gloria Magombo said the situation had normalised.
“We had logistical problems related to the supply of petrol after internal country stocks were depleted following the two-week shutdown of the fuel terminal in Beira,” said Eng Magombo.
“The work included final repairs to the jetty after it was damaged by Cyclone Idai.
“The work was completed on December 3 and the ship with petrol destined for Zimbabwe finally berthed and pumping started on December 4.
“We started receiving product at Feruka on December 8.
“Fuel companies were urged to pick up product from Mutare and this started yesterday (Friday) with over 800 000 litres of petrol being picked yesterday, whilst almost 2 million litres of petrol is expected to be loaded today (yesterday).”
She said there was no need for consumers to panic.
“We expect petrol in the pipeline (between Feruka and Msasa) to get to Harare in a day’s time after pumping all the diesel which was in the pipeline.
“Motorists should not panic, we have enough fuel products in the country to meet demand.”
Eng Magombo said Feruka and Msasa depots are currently operating 24 hour shifts.
Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) chief executive officer Mr Edington Mazambani said:
“There is no need for the nation to panic, there was a logistical challenge occasioned by maintenance works at Beira port.
“Normal pumping has resumed. In the meantime, fuel companies are uplifting blends from Feruka in Mutare.”
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