Zimbabwe seeks more fuel sources

Government has engaged Fleet Energy (Pvt) Limited as it moves to locate lasting solutions to fuel shortages dogging the country, reports Bulawayo 24 News.

Energy and Power Development Minister Dr Joram Gumbo met officials from Fleet Energy in Dubai last week, when he attended the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) to take advantage of the Abu Dhabi conference and "engage fuel companies".

Fleet Energy, a top global player in the procurement and wholesale of petroleum products, is a partner of Rosneft, a Russian company willing to meet Zimbabwe Government. Considering the fuel challenges being experienced in Zimbabwe, “Fleet Energy expressed their willingness to sign a fuel supply agreement, subject to fruitful negotiations with the Ministry of Finance and the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe”, commented Dr Gumbo to Bulawayo 24 News.

"In addition, the company is interested in infrastructure projects such as upgrading the fuel pipelines, storage facilities, power plants and even oil refinery”, Dr Gumbo added.

Government told Fleet Energy that in spite of current fuel shortages, Zimbabwe aspires to become a centre that distributes petroleum products to the Sadc region thanks to its convenient location.

The two parties agreed that Fleet Energy would submit a written proposal to the Ministry of Energy to weigh in all the options on fuel supply and payment options. Fleet Energy bosses would then visit Zimbabwe to meet and exchange notes with all relevant stakeholders including the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development and RBZ officials.