Fuel retailer and distributor, Engen Marketing Botswana (Pty) Ltd says it is taking proactive measures following the recent detection of fuel contamination at seven of its retail service stations in Molepolole, Mahalapye, Kgatleng, Bontleng, Mmopane, Gaborone Western Bypass, and Gaborone Tsholofelo. The contamination involving ULP93 was first identified on May 23, 2024, through a customer complaint reported at Engen Mmopane.
Speaking to The Business Weekly & Review, Brian Sameke, Acting Managing Director at Engen Botswana, explained that the issue came to light when a customer reported unusual vehicle performance and loss of power after refuelling at Engen Mmopane. This complaint prompted an immediate investigation, revealing contamination at six additional locations in the southern region of Botswana. According to Sameke, Engen Botswana promptly isolated the affected fuel at these sites to prevent further distribution. To date, 358 vehicles have been confirmed as affected.
While preliminary investigations have not revealed the cause of fuel contamination, Sameke highlighted that efforts are ongoing to pinpoint the origin and prevent future occurrences, with Engen Botswana collaborating with relevant stakeholders including the Botswana Energy Regulatory Authority (BERA) and Botswana Oil Limited to conduct thorough investigations into the source of the contamination.
“BERA has stipulated customer complaint procedures on their media release of the 29th May 2024. The first point of contact for affected customers is the service station where they purchased fuel,” added Sameke on the procedure for affected consumers to lodge complaints and seek assistance.
Additionally, Engen Botswana has offered practicable vehicle repair assistance to impacted customers and is committed to prioritising this. However, the timeline for resolving individual complaints will depend on the submission of required documentation, vehicle assessments and availability of repair companies.
To enhance its quality control processes and prevent similar issues in the future, Sameke stated that Engen Botswana has implemented product quality testing procedures for all direct-bridged truck deliveries in the southern part of the country.
“Engen has a testing lab at its depot in Francistown and is in the process of constructing a testing lab in Gaborone for testing of direct bridged deliveries,” he said.
To ensure that customers are kept informed about the investigation and the steps being taken to address the issue, Engen Botswana is actively communicating with the public through its social media platforms and has extended its communication efforts to print media. Moreover, the fuel company is working hand-in-hand with BERA and Botswana Oil during this investigation.
“The relationship between Engen and these two state-owned entities is constructive. Engen maintains frequent interactions with BERA and Botswana Oil Limited to ensure full compliance with the law,” Sameke pointed out.
