Fuel and Service Control Act 1983 (Act No. 23 of 1983).

This Act, which comprises 18 sections, sets out in Section 3 the powers of the Minister responsible for water, energy and mining to promote fuel conservation and ensure the efficient distribution and use of fuel. In this regard, the Minister is empowered to regulate or prohibit the following activities (i) the use of specified fuel for purposes or activities identified in a notice, including the manner in which such fuel may be used; (ii) the purchase, sale, supply, acquisition, possession, disposal, storage, transportation, recovery or re-refinement of specified fuel. The Minister is further empowered to promote economy in the cost of fuel distribution and to regulate or prohibit activities relating to the provision of services of a particular kind or to a specified standard. These powers include the authority to regulate or prohibit (i) the supply to any person of equipment intended for dispensing fuel; (ii) the establishment of an outlet for the sale of fuel; (iii) the transfer of a business or undertaking operating at a fuel outlet from one location to another; (iv) changes in the supply of fuel to a business or undertaking operating at an outlet; (v) the provision of any service; (vi) the supply of fuel to a business or undertaking operating at an outlet where a service of a specified kind or standard is not available to the public. In addition, the Minister is empowered to prescribe the prices at which, and the times during which, fuel may be sold; impose and collect a levy on fuel; control the quantities of fuel that may be sold; and issue permits authorising the sale of fuel in excess of prescribed quantities or outside prescribed hours. The Act also contains provisions relating to the appointment of a Director, inspectors and other relevant officials.
Section 6 empowers the Minister to order any person capable of supplying fuel or services to supply, deliver or sell them to the Minister or a designated person when necessary for the good order and security of Lesotho. Section 9 empowers the Minister or Director to require persons dealing with specified fuels or services to provide information, submit returns, and maintain relevant business records. It also authorises inspectors to examine and copy relevant documents, while non-compliance or knowingly or negligently providing incorrect information constitutes an offence. The Act authorises inspectors to enter any premises at reasonable times without prior notice to verify required information, conduct necessary examinations and enquiries, and collect fuel samples against a receipt.