Mbabane – The Eswatini Energy Regulatory Authority has issued a warning to individuals and businesses involved in unlicensed fuel trading, citing serious safety, environmental, and legal concerns.
According to Teclar Maphosa, ESERA Communications and Stakeholder Manager, there has been a growing trend of illegal fuel sales across the country. Traders often purchase fuel in bulk and resell it in small containers that are not approved for safe fuel storage and transport. Maphosa explained that this practice violates the Petroleum Act of 2020 as well as national safety standards and industry best practices.
“The concern is that these operators are trading without the required license, and they cannot be properly regulated,” Maphosa said. She added that using unauthorized and unsafe facilities for fuel storage significantly increases the risk of accidents and environmental hazards.
Maphosa also cautioned retailers against charging customers prices above the gazetted market rates. She explained that fuel is a highly regulated commodity and anyone selling it must comply with licensing, safety, and pricing rules. She noted that unlicensed traders are being closely monitored for selling fuel in containers that do not meet regulatory standards.
According to current regulations, fuel may only be sold in containers of ten liters or less, and only if the containers are approved for transporting fuel. Larger containers require a permit issued either by ESERA or the nearest police station. Non-compliance can result in heavy fines, suspension or permanent revocation of retail licenses, and criminal charges, particularly for repeated or high-risk violations.
ESERA is urging the public to report any suspicious fuel trading activity to the Authority or to the nearest police station. The agency stressed that public cooperation is essential to ensure the safe and legal distribution of fuel in Eswatini, protecting both consumers and service providers.
Local fuel seller Sabelo Masangane admitted that he was unaware that selling fuel without proper authorization was illegal. “I thought I was making a living, and it is only now as you are speaking to me that I realize that it is illegal. I did not know I needed a license,” he explained.
Masangane said he has been in the business for two years, selling petrol and occasionally car oil, but noted that profits were low. He plans to visit ESERA offices to obtain more information and ensure his operations comply with regulations.
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