Puma investigates complaint on fuel
Puma Energy Limited has instituted investigations to establish claims from customers who fueled their vehicles at selected Puma service stations in Lilongwe, resulting in their vehicles developing faults.
Puma Energy managing director Davies Lanjesi, in an interview yesterday, confirmed receiving complaints and reports on the matter, saying investigations are underway to establish what might have caused the problem.
This is against the background of reports that three Puma Service Stations in Lilongwe Area 23, Gemini and Area 18 are alleged to have received a consignment of contaminated petrol over the weekend.
Lanjesi said the company has taken samples for the fuel for testing and will notify the nation what might have gone wrong once the results are out.
“We take issues of quality seriously and we are doing whatever it takes to ensure that we address the matter with urgency,” he said.
Consumers Association of Malawi (Cama) executive director John Kapito described the situation as unfortunate for customers, saying this could be an indication of inappropriate control and handling of fuel.
“We are not sure how many cars are affected, but whatever the case is, it is just regrettable.
“While others may want to take advantage of the situation, we urge that engineers be involved to ensure that there is proof of claims vehicle owners make,” he said.
A mechanical engineering lecturer at University of Malawi’s the Polytechnic, Griffin Salim, yesterday said any type of contamination of fuel is likely to affect the engine.
“If fuel is contaminated, it affects the engine, but how those effects go further depends on the type of contamination which we are not aware of as of now,” he said.
Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS) communications officer Moses Gwaza said fuel issues are the responsibility of Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (Mera).
Mera consumer affairs and public relations manager Fitina Khonje said yesterday they had not had any test results or any official report from the company; hence, it is difficult to confirm whether fuel was contaminated or not. n
