Ethanol Blending in Petrol Now Mandatory
The Minister of Energy and Power Development has announced the implementation of the Petroleum (Mandatory Blending of Anhydrous Ethanol with Unleaded Petrol) (Amendment) Regulations, 2024 (No. 6). This decision follows consultations with the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority and aims to enhance the country’s fuel standards and promote sustainable energy practices.
The amended regulations, published under Statutory Instrument 17 of 2013, modify Section 3 of the original Petroleum Regulations. Effective seven days from the date of publication, the new rules stipulate that all unleaded petrol imported into Zimbabwe must be blended with anhydrous ethanol.
Key Points of the Amendment:
1. Mandatory Blending: All unleaded petrol imported into the country is now required to contain a specified percentage of anhydrous ethanol.
2. Implementation Timeline: The regulations will come into force within a week of their publication, allowing for a swift transition to the new blending requirements.
These regulations are part of Zimbabwe’s broader strategy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, promote renewable energy sources, and enhance energy security in the region. The government anticipates that this move will not only support environmental sustainability but also stimulate local ethanol production, benefiting the agricultural sector.
