BERA Quarantines 3.3 Million Litres of Suspected Contaminated Fuel

BERA Quarantines 3.3 Million Litres of Suspected Contaminated FFuel. The Botswana Energy Regulatory Authority (BERA) has announced that it has isolated 3.3 million litres of unleaded petrol (ULP95) suspected to be contaminated with metals. The precautionary measure was taken in collaboration with Botswana Oil, ensuring that the fuel does not enter the national distribution system until investigations are complete.

In its statement, BERA revealed that the fuel is suspected to contain lead and manganese, substances historically used as additives but banned in the early 2000s due to environmental and health concerns. The Botswana Standard on Unleaded Petrol (BOS577) explicitly excludes metals, making the suspected contamination a matter of regulatory importance.

BERA confirmed that it conducted independent tests on fuel quality sourced from Namcor. Based on the results, the Authority advised Botswana Oil not to distribute the affected fuel. “Both the Authority and Botswana Oil commit to ensuring that fuel supplied to and used in Botswana is of acceptable standards. Once investigations are completed, the public will be informed of the outcome and the necessary steps to be taken. We shall continue to monitor fuel quality and encourage consumers to remain vigilant,” the statement read.

The quarantined fuel will remain isolated until investigations determine the extent of contamination and corrective measures are implemented. Officials emphasized that consumer safety and environmental protection remain top priorities, with ongoing monitoring designed to prevent risks associated with metal-containing fuels.

This development underscores the importance of strict regulatory oversight in Botswana’s energy sector, ensuring that national fuel supplies meet established standards and that public confidence in the system is maintained.