Redan given 72 hours to restore fuel coupons value

The decision by Redan Petroleum to debase fuel coupons following President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s decision to hike fuel prices a fortnight ago has drawn fire, with lawyers demanding that the fuel distributor reverses the decision within 72 hours.

By Everson Mushava

Alex Majachani of Alex F & Associates has written to Redan representing a class action for people aggrieved by the debasing of fuel, threatening legal action if the quantities of fuel reflected on the coupons were not restored within seven days.

Majachani is demanding that Redan revokes the notice it issued announcing debasing of the value of fuel coupons sold to motorists and immediately allow members to access the quantities reflected on the coupons issued to them.

“In view of the above, we are instructed to demand as we, hereby, do that you give a written undertaking that you will forthwith and, in any event not later than 72 hours from the date of receipt of this letter, allow our clients to have access to petrol and diesel fuel in the amounts reflected on the coupons that you issued to them,” Majachani demanded.

“Revoke the public notice that you issued to the public in terms of which you illegally debased fuel coupons issued to our clients and members of the public. Allow our clients to have access to the fuel in the quantities reflected on the coupons issued on them.”

The lawyer added: “Should your company fail to honour its coupons and for value, and this demand within a period of seven days of receipt of this letter, we have strict instructions to institute legal proceedings against your company for appropriate relief. We trust that this course of action shall not be necessary in the circumstances.”

Mnangagwa hiked fuel prices by 150% and Redan unilaterally debased the fuel coupons, triggering an outcry from its clients.

Majachani said Redan should not punish people for its failure to avail fuel to motorists who bought the commodity in advance.

He said the coupons indicate the exact quantities to which individuals are entitled to.

The lawyer is representing about 56 people who bought Redan coupons with various amounts, some going as high as 20 000 litres.