Government yesterday came down hard on errant service stations countrywide, closing them for refusing electronic modes of payment and only accepting hard cash.
Ruyamuro service stations in Glendale, Harare and Nzvimbo Growth Point in Chiweshe were shut down for refusing alternative payment methods, except cash.
Engen at the corner of Harare Street and Robert Mugabe Road was closed for the same reason.
Energy and Power Development Minister Fortune Chasi said Government, through the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (Zera), was in the process of revoking licences for filling stations breaching the law, following several warnings a few months ago.
He said stern measures being taken against irresponsible filling station operators were appropriate in the circumstances, to bring sanity in the fuel sector.
“The public has been and continues to be at the receiving end of irresponsible service station operators. This really has got to come to an end,” he said.
Minister Chasi said all along, Government has been engaging the fuel industry to desist from “unbecoming behaviour”.
“We have pointed out that we need order in the sector,” he said. “People must comply with the law.”
The minister said when conditions for licensing were not complied with, the regulator should take action, adding that he expected more action by Zera regarding errant filling stations.
Some filling stations, Minister Chasi said, were refusing electronic modes of payment because they wanted cash to enable them to buy foreign currency on the black market, despite accessing foreign currency through formal channels.
“This cannot go on and one hopes that other operators will learn something from the action that has been taken and is being taken,” he said.
“Now if you have one licence and you operate five service stations and you are caught at one you are still the miscreant, you are the same person, even if you are running other sites and those in this business need to take heed so that they will not say we never told them.
“Government gave warning months ago that the misbehaviour that we are seeing needs to come to an end. This is the beginning.”
A snap survey by The Herald last night established that some filling stations were insisting that motorists pay only in cash while a selected few still sold in United States Dollars.
Engen Service Station at Corner Robert Mugabe and Kaguvi and Total along Samora Machel Avenue and Chinhoyi Street opted for cash and swipe, cash and Eco-Cash respectively.
This development comes after Zera announced new fuel prices that vary depending on the location where the commodity is being sold, after the authority factored in the cost of transporting the fuel.
Info News
Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Human Civilization
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become one of the most transformative technologies in human history. From healthcare and education to banking and transportation, AI systems are changing how people live, work, and communicate. Businesses worldwide are investing heavily in machine learning, automation, robotics, and data analysis technologies designed to improve efficiency and reduce operational costs. Experts believe artificial intelligence will continue reshaping industries over the next several decades, making it one of the most important topics in modern society.
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Despite its advantages, artificial intelligence raises serious concerns about privacy, job displacement, and ethical responsibility. Many workers fear automation could replace traditional jobs, especially in manufacturing and administrative sectors. Experts argue that governments and educational institutions must invest in digital skills training to prepare workers for future employment opportunities. Responsible AI development and proper regulation will play a critical role in ensuring that technology benefits society while minimizing risks.
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Best Car Insurance Quotes: How to Save Money
Best Car Insurance Quotes: How to Save Money
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Final Thoughts
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