Mmegi

Filling station boom raises market saturation alarms

Studies due: BERA wants to check the density of filling stations around the country PIC: KENNEDY RAMOKONE
Studies due: BERA wants to check the density of filling stations around the country PIC: KENNEDY RAMOKONE

The Botswana Energy Regulatory Authority (BERA) has initiated a study into the location and concentration of filling stations, as the country experiences a surge in numbers, despite the declining count of newly registered vehicles quarterly since 2023.

The study comes as the country’s retail fuel sector faces growing concerns of overcapacity, with instances where some filling stations receive licences and open a few metres away from each other.

Statistics Botswana data on transport and infrastructure shows that since the third quarter of 2023, the number of first-time registrations in the country have gone up on a quarterly basis. The trend means the traditionally accelerated growth in the country’s vehicle population, has slowed down.

Editor's Comment
Gov't must guard against cadre deployment

As the Botswana National Front (BNF) discusses a policy to place suitably qualified members in strategic positions, the guiding consideration should remain whether an individual is the best person to serve the country. There is nothing wrong with qualified party members applying for public positions. Political affiliation should neither disqualify a capable candidate nor give them an advantage over others. Every Motswana deserves a fair...

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