No truth in fuel hoarding – ERB

THE Energy Regulation Board (ERB) says perceptions of some filling stations hoarding fuel towards the end of the month in anticipation of price adjustments are mere allegations as it has never been proved.
ERB board chairperson Reynolds Bowa said in an interview that inspectors are always on the ground checking filling stations in a bid to curb fuel hoarding.
“This (hoarding of fuel) is something that has been alleged. We have inspectors that are working all the time inspecting filling stations. If
they find one [filling station] that refuses to sell products because they are waiting for the price to be increased, we take steps against them,” Mr Bowa said.
He urged members of the public to contact ERB on its toll-free number 8484 and report filling stations which they suspect of hoarding fuel.
Mr Bowa said the sanctions for hoarding fuel include administrative charges and termination of licences for repeated offenders.
Meanwhile, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has said it acknowledges the importance of addressing unfair practices in the fuel industry to ensure fair competition and consumer welfare.
CCPC senior public relations officer Mubiana Nalwendo, however, said ERB is equipped to investigate and address issues related to oil marketing companies.
He urged the public to report unfair practices in the fuel industry to ERB…