Fuel shortages to strike Zim as Cyclone damages Beira pipeline

The damage induced by Cyclone Idai on Companhiado De Pipeline Mozambique-Zimbabwe (CPMZ) control room at Beira in Mozambique last week will see Zimbabwe facing acute fuel shortages.

Damage to the pipeline control room greatly affected the pumping of fuel and natural gas to Feruka Oil Refinery in Mutare.

Officials have been having difficulties in communication since last Thursday and no fuel has been pumped since then.

Energy and Power Development Dr Joram Gumbo confirmed the development but said Zimbabwe had enough fuel stocks despite the challenges.

“I understand that the control room at Beira was affected and pumping of fuel and natural gas was in turn affected,” Minister Gumbo said.

‘We however have enough stocks in the country and I am told the repairs at Beira may take a week.”

“I can comment further after getting a briefing from the ministry officials who are on the ground.”

The bulk of fuel consumed in Zimbabwe is transported into the country via Mozambique’s CPMZ Holdings operated pipeline from Beira, to Feruka in Mutare and further via Government owned Feruka Oil Pipeline to storage tanks in Mabvuku and Msasa…Chronicle