Rampant Sale of Adulterated Diesel Raises Alarms Across South Africa

South Africans may need to exercise caution when purchasing diesel, as a recent government probe has revealed a disturbing trend of fuel adulteration across the nation. Seventy fuel stations countrywide have been found peddling diesel diluted with illuminating paraffin, potentially inflicting severe mechanical damage to unsuspecting motorists’ vehicles.

This alarming discovery came to light following routine sampling by the Department of Energy, conducted from April to December 2023 as part of their annual surveillance of petrol stations. The fuel in question, termed 'dodgy diesel', can cause considerable operational issues for diesel engines due to the different properties of illuminating paraffin compared to standard diesel.

The sale of such a mixture is not only unethical but also illegal, breaching multiple national laws and regulations. The South African Petroleum Industry Association (SAPIA) has expressed its concern over this widespread issue. Avhapfani Tshifularo, a representative from SAPIA, spoke with Newzroom Afrika, clarifying that no reputable fuel operator should be involved in this underhanded practice. Tshifularo makes it clear that industry insiders would recognize the signs of adulterated diesel due to the significant price discrepancies compared to legitimate fuel.

The extent of the issue is geographically widespread, with Limpopo topping the list where 15 stations were caught in the act, followed by North West and KwaZulu-Natal each with 13 implicated stations. Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, Gauteng, Western Cape, Free State, and Eastern Cape have also reported cases, with varying numbers of stations caught selling the contaminated product.

Upon identification, fuel stations found non-compliant were immediately served with a noncompliance notice, allowing them 14 days to rectify the issue. Additionally, the stations were offered an option to retest the fuel samples independently through a certified laboratory, safeguarding both consumer interests and ensuring fair investigation procedures.

The ramifications of such practices are extensive. For individual consumers, the use of adulterated diesel can result in costly repairs and engine replacements, while more broadly, it undermines confidence in the country's fuel supply chain and regulatory framework. The government’s clear stance on the matter, as well as the decisive actions taken by the Department of Energy, suggest a commitment to robustly address and eradicate such fraudulent activities within the sector.

But beyond immediate government intervention, this issue also highlights the need for greater awareness among consumers and a stronger emphasis on fuel quality assurance throughout the industry. As South Africa grapples with keeping its energy sector both accountable and transparent, holding perpetrators accountable is paramount to maintain the integrity of its markets and the safety of consumers.