EWURA penalises two fuel stations

DODOMA: THE Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA) has temporarily shut down two filling stations in Dodoma for six months for flouting regulations and legal requirements.

The filling stations are Kipenda Roho Investment and Oilcom, both located in Soya, Chemba District in the region.

EWURA Manager for Communication and Public Relations, Titus Kaguo said the suspension follows the ongoing investigations and decisions made during the board meeting held this week to identify businesses that are flouting regulations and legal requirements.

The decision follows the investigation on allegations related to fuel hoarding, license violations and non-compliance with service regulations.

“This action is part of our ongoing efforts to penalise fuel businesses that contributed to challenges in fuel supply to the public between July and August this year,” Kaguo explained.

Kaguo further noted that so far, the board has taken action against nine fuel stations for similar reasons of being involved in hoarding fuel, an act which adversely affected fuel supply nationwide.

“We are still investigating other stations, and we will keep the public informed of our actions,” added Kaguo.

He also pointed out that the board learnt that owners of the suspended filling stations deliberately delayed the delivery of fuel to their facilities.

EWURA continues to emphasise the importance of adhering to the law and the terms specified in licenses for all fuel businesses.

Kaguo emphasised that the law requires EWURA to give these stations a 21-day period to present their defence before imposing penalties or closures.

“Should station owners feel that justice has not been served, they have the right to appeal to the Fair Competition Commission (FCC),”explained Kaguo.