Mandatory blending of E5 begins in Zimbabwe

The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) has introduced mandatory blending of E5 with unleaded petrol. In a statement issued on Aug. 14, ZERA Chief Executive Engineer Gloria Magombo said the introduction of mandatory blending follows the licensing of Green Fuel after meeting conditions set by the government.
“The E5 mandatory blending follows the licensing of Green Fuel (Pvt) Ltd on Aug. 5 after [all of the conditions are met],” she said.
The energy regulatory authority has pegged the starting wholesale price of ethanol at USD0.95 per liter for the first 90 days while the retail price of petrol is expected to come down by USD0.03 per liter as a result of the blending. Thereafter, ZERA will be reviewing the price every three months.
Unleaded petrol is being sold at between USD1.48 and USD1.51 per liter, while ethanol-blended petrol is being sold at USD1.10 per liter.
Magombo assured the public that the quality of E5 fuel was in accordance with the set standards and that it is therefore safe for all petrol vehicles.
Magombo also advised that since the approval of E5 is to take effect immediately, wholesalers and retailers have up to 60 days to clear their current stock while also making the necessary changes after which all licensees in the petroleum sector will be expected to comply with the new guidelines.
“As part of ZERA’s mandate to ensure that prices charged by licensees are fair to consumers, they will continue to monitor the pricing of the product while we will also carry out the relevant testing of fuel for quality compliance in terms of the Fuel Quality Regulations contained in SI 23 of 2013,” she said.
(August 15, 2013)