Rwanda National Police

Three men were arrested on Monday in Muhima Sector, Nyarugenge District after they were found with 23 jerrycans (460 litres) of diesel, which they were selling on black market.

Those arrested are Martin Bugingo, 44, Athanase Nteziryayo, 24, and Gustave Kalimunda, 36, who were mainly selling diesel to car owners in different garages in Nyabugogo.

At least 21 jerrycans of diesel were recovered in the suspects’ stores in Nyabugogo while two other jerrycans were at the time being sold in the garage, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Marie-Gorette Umutesi, the Police spokesperson for the City of Kigali, said.

“Police conducted an operation based on information provided by some people in Nyabugogo on criminal activities surrounding the whole diesel business on black market,” said CIP Umutesi.

“They were stealing the diesel from vehicles in parking lots and garages, and selling it to other motorists and those operating milling machines. It is unlawful to sell petroleum in your house. Flammables like diesel and petrol are only sold at stations.”

CIP Umutesi added that having petroleum products in your house increases the risk of igniting fire and advised against it to prevent likely disaster and loss of lives.

“There are laws and regulations on how these petroleum products are packaged, transported and stored, which are standard, safe and ensure quality,” she said.

Article 6 of law No. 85/2013 of 11/9/2013 regulating petroleum and petroleum products trade in Rwanda, partly states that; “any person, who shall perform any type of petroleum and petroleum products trade shall have a license from the competent authority.”

Article 22 also specifies the safety of petroleum products with respect to conditions related to “stores and other places exclusively reserved for the parking of petroleum and petroleum products tankers” determined by the competent authority.” 

In article 36, any person, who sells petroleum contrary to relevant national or international standards approved by the Rwanda Bureau of Standard, shall be liable to an administrative fine between Rwf5 million and Rwf20 million.

A license can be withdrawn if the offender is a licensed dealer or company.