Since midnight on Thursday, 15 October, Mauritius has reserved purchases of petrol, diesel and kerosene in drums or other containers for professionals who must refuel equipment that is difficult to move, according to a statement from the Ministry of Commerce and Consumer Protection dated 14 October.
Vehicles can still be refuelled normally at filling stations, without any additional formalities. The new conditions apply only to purchases in separate containers, a method of supply used notably for boats and machines that cannot reasonably be brought to a pump.
Each transaction must cover at least 20 litres. The buyer must present their national identity card or passport, along with a document or other item allowing verification that the fuel is intended for an authorised activity.
The measure notably covers fishing, agriculture, construction, quarrying, crushing, earthmoving and land clearing. The ministry says it wants to preserve professional needs while preventing dangerous or improper uses of flammable products.
Fuel must be transported in containers suited to safety requirements. Filling stations are required to record the buyer's identity and contact details, their activity, the equipment to be refuelled and the details of the transaction.