Fuel smuggling grows
Not only is illegal fuel damaging to vehicles, its impact on the local economy is worrisome with legal service stations in Oshikango already closing down.
The smuggling of fuel from Angola does not only raise concerns about the illegality and the quality of the product, the impact on local, legal businesses is of great concern. In fact, several businesses in Oshikango have had to shut doors due to this practice.
The mines and energy ministry launched an information campaign from 3 to 6 December in the north of Namibia to create awareness amongst consumers about the illegal importation and sales of Angolan fuel in Namibia.
The deputy mines and energy minister, Kornelia Shilunga, delivered several speeches at Oshakati and in the broader Omusati Region saying it is illegal for unlicensed individuals to trade in petroleum products and furthermore, to bring these products into Namibia without customs' approval.
The evasion of tax and fuel levies is also a great concern, she added.
“The smuggling of fuel from Angola harms local, registered traders who now have to compete with the high volume of illegal, cheaper fuel. Moreover, our investigations have shown that this fuel is stored in illegal and unsafe containers which does not only pose a risk to the environment but is also a health risk to those dealing with the product.”
Quality
Shilunga added that there are serious challenges with the quality of the illegal fuel.
“Our Namibian vehicles can travel for a short while on Angolan fuel but, the sulphur content is so high that it does not meet our local specifications and standards. Not only is it damaging to the engine of the vehicle, its emissions are unacceptably high,” she said.
The use of this illegal fuel is worrisome for the environment, especially in light of the fact that Namibia is a signatory to several international conventions against pollution and carbon emissions.
“Furthermore, SADC has set a target that all its member countries will move towards a lower suphur content and 'cleaner' fuel by 2030.”
In terms of this goal, Shilunga says Namibia has taken steps to phase out 93 petrol while 50 ppm diesel has already been introduced. By the end of the year, the phasing out of 500 ppm diesel will begin and the introduction of 10ppm diesel will also take place.
“We are working hard to ensure that we, together with the world, are moving towards cleaner fuel.”
Identifying illegal fuel
Shilunga said she is often asked what is wrong with Angolan fuel and furthermore, how the average Joe can differentiate between legal and illegal fuel.
“There is nothing wrong with Angolan fuel, as long as it is used within Angola's borders. Every country has its own regulations and laws and Angolan fuel does not meet our required specifications. This is why it cannot be sold, in its current form, within Namibia's borders.”
She said it is easy to identify illegal fuel by the way it is sold.
“It is not sold at fully-fledged service stations … it is sold behind closed doors and in small, dangerous and unsafe cannisters.
“If this matter is not tackled, it can potentially destroy legal petrol stations, causing more job losses and chaos in these difficult economic times.”
Several service stations at Oshikango have either experienced losses or have closed and illegal fuel traders can now be found as far as Engela, Ongenga, Eenhana, Outapi and even Oshakati.
ELVIRA HATTINGH
The mines and energy ministry launched an information campaign from 3 to 6 December in the north of Namibia to create awareness amongst consumers about the illegal importation and sales of Angolan fuel in Namibia.
The deputy mines and energy minister, Kornelia Shilunga, delivered several speeches at Oshakati and in the broader Omusati Region saying it is illegal for unlicensed individuals to trade in petroleum products and furthermore, to bring these products into Namibia without customs' approval.
The evasion of tax and fuel levies is also a great concern, she added.
“The smuggling of fuel from Angola harms local, registered traders who now have to compete with the high volume of illegal, cheaper fuel. Moreover, our investigations have shown that this fuel is stored in illegal and unsafe containers which does not only pose a risk to the environment but is also a health risk to those dealing with the product.”
Quality
Shilunga added that there are serious challenges with the quality of the illegal fuel.
“Our Namibian vehicles can travel for a short while on Angolan fuel but, the sulphur content is so high that it does not meet our local specifications and standards. Not only is it damaging to the engine of the vehicle, its emissions are unacceptably high,” she said.
The use of this illegal fuel is worrisome for the environment, especially in light of the fact that Namibia is a signatory to several international conventions against pollution and carbon emissions.
“Furthermore, SADC has set a target that all its member countries will move towards a lower suphur content and 'cleaner' fuel by 2030.”
In terms of this goal, Shilunga says Namibia has taken steps to phase out 93 petrol while 50 ppm diesel has already been introduced. By the end of the year, the phasing out of 500 ppm diesel will begin and the introduction of 10ppm diesel will also take place.
“We are working hard to ensure that we, together with the world, are moving towards cleaner fuel.”
Identifying illegal fuel
Shilunga said she is often asked what is wrong with Angolan fuel and furthermore, how the average Joe can differentiate between legal and illegal fuel.
“There is nothing wrong with Angolan fuel, as long as it is used within Angola's borders. Every country has its own regulations and laws and Angolan fuel does not meet our required specifications. This is why it cannot be sold, in its current form, within Namibia's borders.”
She said it is easy to identify illegal fuel by the way it is sold.
“It is not sold at fully-fledged service stations … it is sold behind closed doors and in small, dangerous and unsafe cannisters.
“If this matter is not tackled, it can potentially destroy legal petrol stations, causing more job losses and chaos in these difficult economic times.”
Several service stations at Oshikango have either experienced losses or have closed and illegal fuel traders can now be found as far as Engela, Ongenga, Eenhana, Outapi and even Oshakati.
ELVIRA HATTINGH
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