Lesotho is to join its Southern African neighbours in phasing out leaded Super and Ultra 93 petrol from December 31, 2005. 

National Environment Secretariat environmental officer, Mrs. Refiloe Sethathi announced this at a meeting with representatives of the Thaba-Tseka Transport Association, filling stations and other business people to use unleaded petrol as it has many advantages, including reducing pollution.

Users of Super and Ultra 93 will be able to replace these with Lead Replacement Petrol (LRP), a fuel suitable for older model cars and which will be available from January next until December 2009.

 Ministry of Natural Resources Petroleum Officer, Mr. Hlopheho Ntlamelle assured the public that these developments would not affect petrol prices in the country; government has resolved that prices would not be influenced by the changes in the oil industry, he said. 

Similar meetings have already been held in Berea, Leribe, Botha-Bothe and Mokhotlong.

29 August 2005