The South African Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) says an investigation has revealed that 70 petrol stations across South Africa are selling adulterated diesel to profiteer as the price of fuel rises.
The diesel is mixed with illuminating paraffin, according to the department.
The DMRE minister, Gwede Mantashe, warned against the illegal practice saying that service stations guilty of it could be prosecuted and closed.
The 70 petrol stations accused of the alleged mixing were identified between April and December 2023. Samples from these diesel providers failed purity tests.
Non-compliance notices and reports have been submitted to the South African Revenue Service as there are tax evasion implications.
The diluted supplies are across all South Africa’s provinces and their sale also raises concerns about the fuel’s negative impact on motor vehicles that inadvertently purchase it.
Illuminating paraffin is used in wick and pressure lamps, stoves, refrigerators and heaters. It is also used as a solvent in the manufacture of certain paints, varnish, polish, insecticides and weed killers.
