MBABANE – The Eswatini Energy Regulatory Authority (ESERA) has issued a stern warning against the illegal purchase and storage of fuel, as fears of a shortage continue to grip the country and trigger panic buying.
The regulator’s statement comes after it emerged that some members of the public, reacting to reports of a possible fuel shortage linked to global conflicts, had begun buying petrol in bulk and storing it in containers.
ESERA cautioned that such practices are unlawful and dangerous. It reminded the public that the purchase, storage and sale of fuel in bulk containers are strictly reserved for licensed entities in line with the Petroleum Act No. 18 of 2020. The law clearly defines authorised commercial consumers, retailers and wholesalers under sections 7, 17, 18 and 19.
The Petroleum Act No. 18 of 2020 prohibits any person from handling petroleum products without a licence and restricts the importation, storage, distribution and sale of fuel to authorised entities such as licensed retailers, wholesalers and commercial consumers, who must operate under strict regulatory conditions.
“No individual or organisation is permitted to purchase, store or sell fuel without the requisite licence or permit,” the authority stated.
Retail service stations have also been directed not to dispense fuel into containers, in strict adherence to their operating licence conditions.
The warning comes against the backdrop of a tightening fuel supply situation, which has its roots in global developments. Ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, a region that accounts for a significant share of the world’s crude oil production, have disrupted supply chains and created uncertainty in international oil markets.
These disruptions have led to delays in fuel shipments and rising costs, which are now being felt in smaller, import-dependent economies such as Eswatini.
As a result, local fuel supplies have come under pressure, triggering anxiety among consumers and prompting some to resort to hoarding.
A visit to several filling stations around Manzini revealed that some outlets had already begun rationing fuel.
Motorists were seen forming queues, while attendants limited the amount of fuel sold per vehicle in an effort to manage dwindling stocks.
ESERA emphasised that beyond being illegal, the storage of fuel in unapproved containers poses serious safety, environmental and public health risks. Improper handling of petroleum products can lead to fires, explosions and toxic exposure.
“Any breach of these requirements will constitute a violation of the Act and licence conditions, which may result in enforcement action,” the regulator warned.
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