Tension has gripped Morogoro town following reports from several motorists who allege that a local fuel station sold them fuel contaminated with water, leading to vehicle breakdowns and service disruptions.
According to the affected drivers, the incident occurred at the ATN fuel station located in Kichangani Ward, within the Morogoro Municipality.
They claim the contaminated fuel caused mechanical damage to their motorcycles and tricycles, prompting some to demand compensation.
Agapeter Njau, a motorcycle owner, recounted his experience:“I bought fuel worth TZS 20,000 while heading out of town for work. Not long after I started the journey, the bike stalled. When a mechanic inspected it, he found the fuel tank full of water. I went back to the station and demanded a refund and compensation for the time I lost,” Njau said.
Mussa Bakari, a tricycle (bajaji) driver, said he filled up at the same station after seeing a fuel delivery take place.
However, shortly afterward, his vehicle refused to start, forcing him to push it while carrying passengers.
He urged the station’s management to exercise more caution when receiving fuel supplies:“Fuel quality checks must be done carefully to avoid such losses and to protect consumers,” he added.
Efforts to reach the Morogoro Regional Police Commander, Alex Mkama, were unsuccessful, as he stated the police had not yet received any formal complaints regarding the incident.
However, Titus Kaguo, Head of Communications and Public Relations at the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA), confirmed that the authority had received complaints.
“We have already collected fuel samples from the station and are conducting tests to determine the validity of the allegations,” Kaguo stated.
Further investigations are ongoing as affected motorists await official results and possible actions against the fuel station if wrongdoing is confirmed.
