Mauritius Restricts Fuel Sales in Jerry Cans Amid Unrest

Mauritius has introduced new restrictions on the sale of petrol, diesel and kerosene in jerry cans and other portable containers, according to a report by Le Defi Media. The measures come against a backdrop of civil unrest that has gripped parts of the island in recent days, raising serious concerns among authorities about the potential misuse of flammable fuels.

Under the new rules, service stations are limited in how much fuel they can sell to individuals who are not filling a vehicle's tank directly. The restrictions apply to the three most commonly used fuel types: petrol (essence), diesel, and kerosene — the latter being widely used in Mauritius for cooking and lighting, particularly in lower-income households.

The move is widely seen as a precautionary security measure. During periods of social unrest, portable containers of flammable fuel pose a significant public safety risk, as they can be used to start fires or accelerate looting-related incidents. Mauritius experienced a curfew this week, with authorities arresting dozens of people in connection with violence, looting at shopping centres such as Cascavelle Mall, and arson-related incidents including wildfires that destroyed thousands of tonnes of sugarcane.

The State Trading Corporation (STC), the government body that manages fuel imports and distribution in Mauritius, is understood to be involved in coordinating the policy with petrol station operators across the island. The STC plays a central role in setting fuel prices and overseeing supply chains for petroleum products in the country.

For most motorists and households, the restrictions will have a limited immediate impact — fuel purchases made directly into a vehicle tank are not affected. However, people who rely on kerosene purchased in containers for domestic use, as well as small business operators such as fishermen or farmers who routinely collect diesel in drums, may face temporary inconvenience or shortages.

What this means: If you need to buy fuel in a container rather than filling your vehicle directly at the pump, expect to be limited in the quantity you can purchase, or potentially refused service altogether depending on the guidelines in place at each station. Residents who depend on kerosene for cooking should plan ahead, as access may be temporarily restricted. The measures are expected to remain in force while the security situation on the island remains elevated. Authorities have not confirmed a specific end date for the restrictions, so it is advisable to monitor official communications from the government and the STC for updates.

Source: Le Defi Media