Iranians explore Noczim assets (30-11-06)

ilometre long have resurfaced in Harare amid a deepening fuel crisis.
Energy minister Mike Nyambuya told parliament that the shortages were a result of logistical problems. The Zimbabwean heard that there was about a week’s supply of petrol in the country while the position with diesel was slightly better. There is however no credit facility in place as government is living from hand to mouth. Sources at Petrozim, which pumps fuel from Mutare to Harare, said it had this month pumped just 40 percent of normal capacity.
The sources said fuel was only being released after being paid for.
President Robert Mugabe last week literally begged for fuel supplies from Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in a deal that involves the mortgaging of some national assets belonging to NOCZIM before supplies can resume.
Ahmadinejad was going to send in a delegation soon to evaluate NOCZIM’s assets, which it intends taking over. The Zimbabwean understands that the assets – the fuel pipeline from Beira and Mabvuku holding tanks – have been valued at US$40 million by government.
The Iranians reportedly want to carry out a due diligence exercise and independent evaluation of the deal. In the meantime the fuel crisis remains dire.