UNBS Warns Against Roadside Fuel Sales Over Safety Risks

UNBS Deputy Executive Director Daniel Richard Makayi Nangalama said the bureau regularly inspects and tests petroleum products entering the country and those distributed through licensed fuel stations to ensure they meet required safety and quality standards.

The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has warned the public against buying and selling fuel through roadside outlets using jerrycans and plastic bottles, saying the practice poses serious risks to lives, property and the environment.

The warning was issued during a stakeholders’ engagement in Masaka involving UNBS officials, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, fuel station operators and local leaders to discuss petroleum quality standards, compliance and safe handling of fuel products.

UNBS Deputy Executive Director Daniel Richard Makayi Nangalama said the bureau regularly inspects and tests petroleum products entering the country and those distributed through licensed fuel stations to ensure they meet required safety and quality standards.

He, however, said enforcement efforts require cooperation from the public and local leaders to identify dealers involved in selling unsafe or adulterated fuel.

“UNBS carries out regular inspections and testing to ensure that fuel sold in Uganda meets the required standards. However, we cannot succeed alone. We need local leaders and the public to work with us by reporting suspected cases of adulterated fuel,” Nangalama said.

He warned consumers against purchasing fuel from unlicensed roadside sellers, saying such products could expose them to accidents and financial losses.

“Selling fuel in jerrycans and plastic bottles along the roadside is extremely risky. It exposes people to fire hazards, environmental pollution and financial losses. Fuel should only be purchased from licensed filling stations,” he said.

The concern was echoed by Ibrahim Kiyimba, the Chairperson of Boda Boda riders in Kimanya-Kabonera, who said many motorcycle riders and generator owners have suffered damage after purchasing poor-quality fuel.

“Many motorcycle riders and generator owners have suffered losses after buying poor-quality fuel. We believe some unscrupulous dealers are adulterating fuel before selling it to unsuspecting consumers,” Kiyimba said.

Meanwhile, officials from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development used the engagement to encourage households to adopt cleaner cooking technologies, particularly liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), as an alternative to charcoal and firewood.

The Ministry’s Commissioner, Rev. Justaf Frank Tukwasibwe, said government is promoting LPG because it is safer, more affordable and helps reduce pressure on forests.

“We are encouraging households to shift from charcoal and firewood to gas in order to reduce deforestation and conserve the environment. Government partnered with Stabex to provide free gas cylinders, while beneficiaries only pay for the gas refill,” Tukwasibwe said.

Representatives from Stabex Petroleum cautioned beneficiaries under the government-supported LPG programme against selling the cylinders issued to them, saying they are intended to help families transition to cleaner cooking energy.

The engagement is part of ongoing efforts by UNBS and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development to improve petroleum quality compliance, protect consumers and promote safer energy practices across Uganda.