THE Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has summoned four oil marketing companies to respond to allegations that they abrogated the Energy Regulation Act.
ERB public relations manager Kwali Mfuni said in a statement issued in Lusaka that the four companies are Mt Meru Petroleum Limited, Juba Transport Limited, Samfuel Limited and Kobil Zambia Limited.
“The ERB summoned four licensees to answer to allegations against them ranging from breach of license conditions, technical standards and violations of the provisions of the Energy Regulation Act,” Ms Mfuni said.
She said Mount Meru was called to answer allegations concerning transportation of petroleum products beyond the stipulated time of 18:00 hours as provided for in the Zambia Standard 372: Operational requirements for road tank vehicles – code of practice.
Ms Mfuni noted that a tanker was involved in a road traffic accident around 23:30 hours enroute to Kawambwa, where it was to deliver 7,000 litres of petrol, 6,000 litres of diesel and 27,000 litres of kerosene.
She said Juba Transport was summoned for allegedly allowing the syphoning of fuel from a tanker at an undesignated area, resulting in massive spillage, therefore posing a risk to the safety and health of the general public and the environment.
“In addition, ERB took to task Juba Transport for failing to discipline or monitor its driver while in transit,” Ms Mfuni said.
She said Samfuel was cited for selling fuel at its depots in Kitwe and Ndola, which are not licensed by the ERB as petroleum sale points.
Ms Mfuni said Kobil was tasked to exculpate itself for selling fuel at Yexley Luangwa without a licence.
This greasy business sounds full of oily deals so no wonder they slip up. Commendable that things have been noted just don’t wind up with well oiled hands leaving us to watch multiple smirks pumped out along with the gas.
Well done ERB. This is as it should be. Sanction them and ensure they do not do that again.
OKey
Why summon when its clear this companies had breached their contracts in the face of overwhelming evidence…just suspend their contracts.