HOW to protect against buying diluted diesel in South Africa

One of the biggest stories this week is a report from the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) saying 70 fuel stations are selling diluted diesel in South Africa. Apparently the fuel is being ‘watered down’ with illuminating paraffin, reports TopAuto.

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The big issue now is the sample of diluted diesel in South Africa was only taken randomly from 1 070 fuel stations. The Democratic Alliance (DA) says this is in fact a countrywide scandal and wants to increase the sample size. Extrapolating the results, it says it is entirely possible that as many as 322 service stations could be peddling diluted diesel in South Africa.

DILUTED DIESEL IN SOUTH AFRICA

The diluted diesel in South Africa can damage vital engine parts and leave you stranded. Image: File

DA Shadow Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Kevin Mileham, had the following to say. “We’ve already called for the release of the names of the 70 service stations implicated in the diesel dilution scandal. And it is imperative that the net is cast wider to identify any potential holdouts the DMRE survey may have missed. Only a nationwide review of all service stations will assure the motoring public of the quality of petroleum products,” said Mileham.

We count 6 500 fuel stations countrywide. So, until all of them are tested for diluted diesel in South Africa, how can you protect yourself? Well, DMRE spokesperson Robert Maake said the biggest possible hint a station may be selling dodgy fuel is the price.

TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE

Don’t be fooled by rock-bottom prices from unknown retailers. You will almost certainly regret it. Image: File

Maake, speaking with SABC News, said: “If you find that the diesel price is too good to be true, then you must be suspicious of that diesel.” According to reports, all the major fuel franchises are in the clear. While unable to ‘name and shame’ the offending stations due to tax law, those implicated are mostly independent dealers, some of which aren’t even licenced to trade fuel, says the DMRE.

Retailers peddling diluted diesel in South Africa have also been served with non-compliance certificates and are no longer allowed to sell their product until remedial measures are taken. Still, be vigilant and think twice about a diesel price that looks too good to be true.

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