Zimbabwe to phase out diesel fuel containing 500 ppm sulphur content

Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Energy and Power Development has announced a timeline for phasing out diesel fuel containing 500 parts per million (ppm) from the market. Currently, diesel fuel with 50 ppm sulphur content is sold alongside 500 ppm diesel fuel. The 50 ppm market in Zimbabwe currently stands at 5.3%.

Fuel importers will be given a grace period of four months to allow them to use up their current inventory of higher sulphur diesel fuel. Starting November 1, 2017, all fuel importers in Zimbabwe will be required to import diesel fuel with a maximum sulphur content of 50 ppm only.

“We expect that with effect from 1 March 2018, all diesel sold in Zimbabwe’s retail sites shall be 50 ppm diesel and selling of any other will become an offence from that day onwards,” he said.

Minister of Energy Samuel Undenge said the adoption of 50 ppm maximum sulphur content in diesel fuel is in line with the country’s National Energy Policy to reduce vehicle emissions and improve air quality.

“The National Oil Infrastructure Company has been requested to prepare the pipeline and depots for the pumping and storage of 50 ppm.”

Undenge said the government is also finalising the modalities of shifting from higher octane unleaded fuel, from 93 RON (Research Octane Number) to 95 RON.