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Nelson Gahadza Business Correspondent
HARARE. — At least 470 fuel operators were licenced in 2013 up from 299 in 2012, an increase linked to the rise in the country’s vehicle population. ZERA issued 411 licences in the retail sector, 39 in procurement, 12 for blending, 6 as wholesalers and two for production. According to ZERA’s annual report for 2013, diesel imports were 9 percent higher from previous year while petrol was up 11 percent up on same period comparable.

“The increase in the fuel imports is expected to continue on a decreasing rate as compared to the 2010 to 2011 levels of above 60 percent.”

ZERA said during the period, it increased monitoring and surveillance, resulting in 12 operators being prosecuted for violating their licence conditions. “The prosecution demonstrated ZERA’s commitment to protect the public from sub-standard service delivery,” says the authority.

During the year, revenue was $10,79 million up from $9,44 million in 2012, resulting in a profit position of $1 140 061 from $313 722 in 2012.

According to the report, revenue was generated from electricity levies and licence fees at $9 221 221, petroleum licence fees at $1 091 057 and other income at $480 706.

Expenditure for the period amounted to $9 652 917 while capital spend for the year was at $270 677.

In terms of electricity sub sector performance, generation output from ZPC was 3,9 percent higher at 9 315,08 GWh from 8 963,18 GWh in 2012, against a target of 9 494,66 GWh of 2013.

ZERA said Hwange in the year was still to achieve its full generation capacity despite improvement in performance, but deterioration of all generation units remains a concern.

Kariba Power Station was above target, generating 4 981,56GWh, exceeding its 2013 annual target of 4 851,55GWh, but however was down 7 percent from 2012.

In the period, total customer base increased to 731 622 from 647 836 in 2012, but customer satisfaction remained low due to increased load shedding.

Transmission losses averaged 4,05 percent compared to 3,05 percent in 2012 against a target of 4 percent.