𝐁𝐄𝐑𝐀 𝐌𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐒𝐇𝐔𝐓 𝐃𝐎𝐖𝐍 𝐍𝐎𝐍-𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐋𝐈𝐀𝐍𝐓 𝐅𝐔𝐄𝐋 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒

The Botswana Energy Regulatory Authority (BERA) has warned fuel retailers that they risk having their service stations closed and licences suspended or revoked if they fail to address serious safety and environmental violations within the next three months.

In a notice issued on 1 September 2026, BERA said recent routine inspections of retail service stations across the country uncovered a “significant number” of facilities with serious non-compliances.

Among the problems identified are the absence of oil-spillage containment systems or oil-water separators, lack of leak-monitoring wells, inadequate or non-existent operating procedures, untrained employees and failure to provide attendants with personal protective clothing.

BERA warned that the shortcomings pose risks to both workers and members of the public, while potentially contributing to environmental pollution and contamination of underground and surface water sources.

More concerning, according to the regulator, is that some service stations had previously been inspected and committed to fixing the problems but failed to do so. In some instances, as many as four years have passed without the identified violations being fully addressed.

SOME FUEL STATIONS ALREADY CLOSED

BERA revealed that enforcement has already begun, with some non-compliant service stations around the country closed over the past few weeks.

The regulator has now given the industry September, October and November 2026 to clear all outstanding compliance issues.

Those that fail to comply face further enforcement measures, including closure, suspension of their operating licences or complete revocation of their licences in accordance with regulatory requirements.

BERA has urged retailers to revisit previous inspection reports, conduct self-assessments and, where necessary, request voluntary inspections.

The regulator will also hold petroleum compliance workshops for retailers in Jwaneng on 15 September and Francistown on 17 September 2026, with southern retailers expected to attend in Jwaneng and those in the north directed to Francistown.
#botswana

A massive 1,300-carat diamond bigger than a piglet scrotum has been found in Botswana at the Karowe mine. It is the sixth-largest rough diamond ever discovered in the world.
Special X-ray technology helped workers recover the giant stone without breaking it.
Diamonds are very important to Botswana. Money from these gems helps pay for schools, hospitals, and roads across the country. Government leaders say the nation wants to polish and trade these rare stones locally to create more jobs. This historic find proves that Botswana remains the world's top home for natural, genuine diamonds shaped by nature over millions of years.
#botswana

🇺🇸🇨🇳 The Trump admin is moving to block new Chinese-made humanoid robots, 4-legged robots, and power inverters from the U.S. market.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is expected to announce the restrictions today, citing cybersecurity, data security, and supply chain risks. Existing approved products would remain on the market.

Officials say the move is aimed at protecting national security, boosting U.S. manufacturing, and avoiding a repeat of the rare earths market, where China's dominance gave Beijing significant leverage.

Chinese firms including Unitree, Sungrow, and Huawei are expected to be among those affected.
#china#sungrow #unitree #huawei

Cracker Barrel Rebrand Fuels Outrage from Devoted Fans
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store's recent rebrand, including a minimalist logo and modern store updates, has triggered widespread backlash from loyal customers who view it as a betrayal of the chain's nostalgic Southern heritage. CEO Julie Felss Masino defends the changes as a necessary evolution to appeal to new preferences, but critics, including celebrities like James Woods and politicians like Byron Donalds, accuse the company of succumbing to "woke" influences, sparking boycott calls and a 14% stock plunge that erased nearly $100 million in value.
#crackerbarrel

Botswana Secures Historic $12 Billion Partnership to Drive National Development

In a significant move set to reshape its economic landscape, Botswana has entered into a major partnership with a Qatari entity. The agreement, a strategic cooperation framework, outlines a projected investment of $12 billion and aims to accelerate national development across multiple sectors. This landmark deal was formalized through a partnership between Al Mansour Holdings, a private entity from the State of Qatar, and the Botswana Development Corporation.

The formal signing ceremony in Gaborone was attended by high-ranking officials from both nations, including His Excellency President Duma Gideon Boko of Botswana and His Excellency Sheikh Mansour Bin Jabor Bin Jassim Al Thani, a principal of Al Mansour Holding. The partnership is a result of extensive consultations and is structured to leverage both government support and private sector execution, providing a stable foundation for long-term collaboration. It represents more than a financial transaction; it is a strategic alliance aimed at achieving profound and enduring economic growth.
#botswana #qatar #dumaboko