Adulterated Diesel Warning: Cheap Fuel Now, Expensive Repairs Later

With trucking costs climbing in South Africa, some operators are turning to cheaper diesel sources, sometimes fully aware it’s not the best quality, but in many cases, unknowingly buying adulterated fuel believing it’s legitimate. But beneath the promise of low prices lies a dangerous trend that could be damaging engines, draining profits, and even landing unsuspecting transporters in legal trouble.

A 2023 report by the Department of Resources and Energy revealed that 70 fuel stations were found selling adulterated diesel through random probes. In most cases, diesel had been blended with paraffin which is a far cheaper alternative that can be mixed in ratios as high as 68%. This illegal practice not only evades fuel levies and taxes but also harms engines over time.

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) recently seized two million litres of adulterated fuel and arrested several suspects involved in the illicit trade. According to SARS, the practice is widespread along the Maputo Corridor, with South Africa, Mozambique, and Swaziland being key hotspots.

What Makes Adulterated Diesel So Dangerous?

Paraffin lowers diesel’s lubricating properties, which are crucial for protecting components like the fuel pump and injectors. In trucks, where engines operate under immense stress, this can lead to increased wear and tear, clogged filters, injector failures, and even full engine seizures.

Real-Life Reflection: A Warning Sign in Disguise

Imagine this: A fleet operator changes fuel suppliers to cut costs and notices that the same vehicles which previously gave 2.8 km/l now struggle to do 2.2 km/l even with the same loads, same routes, and same drivers. At first, the operator blames road conditions or driver behaviour. But what if the problem lies with the fuel itself?

Read | Limpopo Tops List of Most Garages Selling Diesel Mixed With Paraffin – DMRE Report

This is a scenario many transporters face but fail to interrogate deeply. A sudden drop in fuel efficiency after changing suppliers should raise a red flag. It could mean that the new fuel is adulterated, even if it looks and smells normal. That’s why it’s critical to regularly monitor your fuel consumption figures. When numbers change, they’re telling a story. Whether it’s a warning sign or a pat on the back depends on whether it’s a drop or an improvement.

Signs to Watch For

Because adulterated fuel looks and smells similar to genuine diesel, detection isn’t easy. Visual checks are unreliable. Testing for density, flash point, or distillation can cost hundreds of rands, and few operators have access to such equipment. However, several engine behaviours may suggest fuel contamination:

• Reduced engine power
• Increased fuel consumption
• Excessive smoke emissions
• Unusual engine noise
• Frequent gear changes or sluggish acceleration
• Difficulty starting the engine

If a truck starts performing poorly after refuelling, especially from a new or unfamiliar supplier, fuel contamination should be high on the list of suspects.

The Cost of Cutting Corners

With diesel prices unregulated in South Africa, the risk of contaminated fuel slipping through the supply chain remains high. Many fuel retailers rely on the trust and reputation of their bulk suppliers – who may themselves be sourcing from unreliable or unscrupulous sources. For truckers and fleet operators, this creates a serious vulnerability. That seemingly cheaper diesel might save a few rands at the pump, but it can end up costing thousands in engine repairs, breakdowns, and lost loads down the line.

In the current cut-throat environment, many transporters are forced to chase the lowest operating costs just to break even. But buying questionable diesel, knowingly or not, can become a false economy. It’s a gamble with potentially catastrophic consequences.

Operators are advised to stick with reputable fuel suppliers, maintain strict fuel consumption logs, and inspect filters regularly for residue. In the long run, playing it safe could save your fleet and your business.