E15 Fuel: ZERA to engage vehicle assemblers

13 Jul, 2014 - 06:07 0 Views

The Sunday Mail

The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) will continue to engage vehicle assemblers, including Willowvale Mazda Motor Industries (WMMI), to find solutions to alleged adverse effects of the introduction of the mandatory E15 fuel blend. Vehicle assemblers, captains of industry and motorists are opposed to Government’s increased the mandatory blending level of anhydrous ethanol with unleaded petrol from 10 percent (E10) to 15 percent (E15).

Some vehicle assemblers have refused to guarantee vehicles that use E15, saying the latest blend levels damaging the cars.
“ZERA will continue to engage various vehicle manufacturers, including WMMI, to understand their concerns with a view to finding an amicable solution to any adverse effects and protecting consumers,” said ZERA chief executive officer Engineer Gloria Magombo.

She added: “Blending is critical in ensuring energy security, a key result area under the Infrastructure and Utilities Cluster-Energy and Power Supply sector in Zim-Asset and the Energy Policy Implementation strategy.”

Asked if introduction of E15 might be reviewed, Eng Magombo said ZERA was a statutory body whose task was to implement Government policy.

“(ZERA) ensures compliance to regulations and standards and continuously monitors reviews and gives feedback on their impact. The mandatory blending of petrol is governed by Statutory Instrument 147A of 2013 and the Petroleum (Mandatory Blending of Anhydrous Ethanol with Unleaded Petrol) (Amended), 2013 (No 1) Regulations.”

The introduction of E15 is expected to cut the fuel import bill which currently stands at US$50 million monthly by 20 percent.
Research shows that the country has saved about US$4 million each month during use of E10.

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