The Petroleum and Energy Authority has announced that fuel tankers engaged in illegal activities, such as hoarding fuel under the pretense of price revisions or intending to sell it on the black market, will be suspended from operation for three months.
According to Bekelech Kuma, Executive Director of Communication and Public Relations at the Petroleum and Energy Authority, tankers found hiding in towns and villages to gain undue benefits will face strict consequences. Several tankers carrying subsidized fuel were recently caught red-handed in the Afar region.
Bekelech noted that the government monitors fuel distribution from source to destination using GPS and other tracking technologies. Despite this, some tankers have been found intentionally delaying their journeys to exploit price revisions. For instance, while it typically takes four days for a tanker to travel from Djibouti to Addis Ababa, certain tankers were discovered hiding for over ten days without reporting mechanical breakdowns.
In collaboration with the Afar Regional State Government, these hidden tankers were located and escorted to their destinations. Companies responsible for these tankers have been ordered to unload their fuel within two days or face further penalties.
Bekelech emphasized that fuel is a government-subsidized essential good intended for public benefit. Gas stations and tankers found engaging in black market activities or other fraudulent practices—such as using only one pump while hoarding fuel—will also face three-month suspensions.
Source: Addis Zemen
