By MILDRED KATONGO
THE Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has warned foreign tanker drivers engaging in illegal fuel vending in Nakonde to desist from the act or risk being arrested by the task force on illegal fuel vending.
ERB consumer and public affairs director Agnes Phiri said the move by foreign tankers to engage in illegal fuel vending had resulted in the loss of revenue through tax evasion, while the duly registered entities are being cheated out of business.
Ms Phiri said in a statement that the ERB conducted inspections in Nakonde recently and it was revealed that the rampant illegal fuel vending was being done by foreign tanker operators of the neighbouring country crossing the border to conduct their illegal sales.
“ERB has noted with concern the rampant illegal fuel vending by foreign tankers. The illegality is being undertaken just meters away from established and registered filling stations. It is an offence for anyone to retail or distribute petroleum products in Zambia without a license from ERB. Apart from damaging vehicles, illegal fuel vending is a serious threat to public safety,” she said.
She urged motorists to desist from buying petroleum products from illegal sources because the quality of such fuel cannot be guaranteed and therefore advised to buy fuel only from entities licensed by ERB to safeguard their vehicles and avoid facing the law.
