In South Africa, the Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy disclosed on Monday that approximately 70 fuel stations are at risk of closure and prosecution for selling counterfeit diesel. These stations were identified between April and December 2023, accused of distributing diesel mixed with illuminating paraffin.
The ministry alleges that the compromised diesel was intentionally blended with illuminated paraffin, suggesting a pattern of cutting corners to profit amid rising petroleum prices, with potential tax evasion implications. In response to this illegal activity, the ministry has issued non-compliance notices and reported the offending petrol stations to the South African Revenue Service for prosecution and tax evasion investigations.
The affected fuel stations reportedly distributed the adulterated fuel nationwide, raising concerns about its potential impact on vehicles and highlighting the hazards associated with mixing different fuels. The ministry emphasized the dangers of such practices.
Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Gwede Mantashe, had previously cautioned against this illicit practice, stating that service stations discovered selling adulterated diesel would face closure and legal consequences.
