Lesotho probes oil firms for alleged fraud
Companies accused of claiming fees for fuel never offloaded at Maseru depot, government to launch audit.
The Lesotho government is launching an investigation into oil companies accused of defrauding the state by claiming storage and handling fees for fuel that was never delivered to the Maseru depot. Local fuel transporters raised the allegations, suggesting that public funds were paid for services not rendered, contrary to the Petroleum Policy which mandates companies to maintain 1.5 million litres of fuel for national security.
Energy and Mining Minister Lejone Mpotjoane has pledged an audit by the Office of the Auditor-General to verify the claims. Transporters state that some companies deliver fuel directly from South Africa to districts, bypassing the Maseru depot entirely, yet continue to charge government for offloading and storage.
The Petroleum Fund, established in 1955, regulates fuel prices and Lesotho imports all its petroleum products from South Africa. The alleged scheme involves companies collecting full transport reimbursements and then forcing local operators to accept lower rates, impacting their operating costs.
Why it mattersLesotho citizens are paying for fuel storage and handling services that oil companies allegedly never provided.