Question NW628 to the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
08 April 2024 - NW628
Lorimer, Mr JR to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
Whether his department has put any plans in place to extend the testing of fuel at more service stations to monitor and/or check whether the fuel is adulterated; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. Diesel adulteration is not only a challenge in South Africa but globally. It is increasing as unscrupulous businesspeople seek to benefit from the tax differential between paraffin and diesel.
2. Yes, the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (“the DMRE”) intends to extend testing of fuel at more service stations to establish full extent and challenges confronting the sector on fuel quality. The foregoing extension to cover more service stations will be done through a greater focus on diesel samples compare to other fuels.
3. DMRE plans to continue conducting random and scheduled fuel quality monitoring inspections in the Republic of South Africa’s nine provinces, targeting high risk areas. The foregoing will be carried out through collaboration/ partnerships with Government entities sharing same mandate to enforce fuel quality compliance. The Department is increasing its collaboration with the South African Revenue Services and is exploring cooperation with the National Consumer Commission to further punish offenders and protect consumers.